Sherry Willingham

Sherry Ann Gee Willingham, age 76, from Umatilla, Florida passed away on September 5, 2025. She was born on June 8, 1949 in Columbia, South Carolina. Sherry graduated from John Rundle High School in Grenada, Mississippi, where she met the love of her life, Henry Mathis Willingham. They married May 25, 1968 and began their lives of Christian ministry together. Professionally, Sherry worked for the Southern Bell Telephone Company and First National Bank of Jackson, Mississippi. When Henry joined Uncle Sam’s Navy, Sherry went with him. After Naval duty, Sherry put Henry though seminary as she worked for the Southern Baptist Radio and Television Commission in Fort Worth, Texas. Later she was the church receptionist at Winbourne Avenue Baptist Church in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. After moving to Central Florida, she worked as a consultant for the Florida Baptist Convention training Ministry Assistants. Sherry retired after 30 years as a Ministry Assistant at New Life Presbyterian Church in Fruitland Park, Florida. She is known as “SHERRY the secretary – always WILLING to eat HAM.” Sherry was passionate about her family. She loved her two girls Angela “Angie” (Richie) Pierce, and Ralna (Michael) Lengemann. She was called “Uma” by grandchildren Alison (Jerry) Orys, Tobias Lengemann, Aspyn Lengemann, great-grandchildren, Evani Orys, and Nehemiah Orys. Sherry is also survived by her sister Jackie (Chuck) Palmer, nieces Christa (Dustin) Stem and Kimberly (Joe) Paramore, five great nieces and nephews, and multiple cousins with their families. Sherry was “Mom” to many, including her pet Harvey Darryl Katt, whom she loved. She is predeceased by her mother Jimmie Lloyd Cole. Sherry loved babies and hand crocheted afghans for any baby that she met. She was a people person who loved her friends and family. Her favorite time of year was Christmas and she loved collecting Santas. She joyfully served with her small group at LifePointe Church in Eustis, Florida. The family is receiving visitors at 2:00 PM on September 20, 2025 at LifePointe Church in Eustis, Florida. A Celebration of Life will be held following at 3:00. In lieu of flowers, please contribute to the ministry of LifePointe Church, Eustis, Florida.

Sherry Willingham

June 8, 1948 - September 5, 2025