Sherry A. (Shelton) Harrell

Sherry Alicia Harrell was the second of four children born to Abraham Jr. and Shirley Shelton on October 4, 1960 in Jamaica (Queens), New York.

During her childhood, she attended St. Clement Pope Catholic Elementary School and graduated from Forest Hills High School in Forest Hills, New York. Growing up, Sherry spent many of her summers in Alabama.  As a result, she chose to attend college at the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama.  She later attended Auburn University in Montgomery, Alabama where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration in 1988. 

On August 7, 1982, Sherry married her childhood sweetheart, Lawrence Harrell. They celebrated their 35th anniversary in 2016.  Their only children are their five nieces and one nephew who they helped raise physically, mentally, and financially.  Together, Sherry and Lawrence helped to ensure that all five became pillars of society.  Their oldest nieces, Latisha and Atisha, have Master’s Degrees.  Latisha is a teacher/instructional specialist, and Atisha is the Deputy of Financial Reporting, Property, and Policy for the U.S. Coast Guard. Their nephew, Keehlan, has a Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice and works with the Fulton County District Attorney’s office, and their third niece, Keeyanna, worked for the Atlanta Marta Transportation system for over 8 years.  Their youngest nieces, Brianna and Samantha, are honors students in their respective high schools.

Sherry was a charter member of the Central Alabama Club of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women's Clubs, Inc.  She held several vital positions within the club including the Financial Secretary since the Club’s inception on September 27, 2000. Sherry also played an active role in the city of Montgomery where she worked and lived.  She participated in the Montgomery Area Food Bank, Alabama Cooperative Extension for the Aging, Southlawn Middle School Career Day, and conducted financial literacy classes at the Mulberry Wellness Salon.

Sherry had more than 30 years of banking experience with Regions Bank, Countrywide Bank and WoodForest Bank.  She was a results-oriented and effective leader with proven ability to lead by example.

Sherry also had a national television debut for her 50th birthday.  Her desire was to see her favorite television personality Robin Roberts from “Good Morning America”.  Robin Roberts gave special notice to the “Ain’t it Nifty Sherry’s Fifty” t-shirts that were worn and personally wished her a “Happy Birthday”.

On the afternoon of Tuesday, April 26, 2017, Sherry was called home and reunited with her sister, Sheila Burks, who passed 14 months ago.  After a long fight, Sherry succumbed to complications related to a heart condition. 

She leaves in God’s care: her husband of 35 years, Lawrence Harrell; parents, Abraham Jr. and Shirley Shelton; her sister, Sharrell Haygood (Bernard); her brother, Sean Shelton (Nicole); little "sister," Doreen; five nieces, Atisha, Latisha, Keeyanna, Brianna, and Samantha; and a nephew, Keehlan.

She also leaves behind her super special aunt Laura Shelton-Carr with whom she conversed daily, her aunt Reseda Shelton-Norris; sister-friend, Valencia Wells; special cousins, Phyllis "Sunshine" Atkins, Glenda Glenn, Tammi Hassell-Blot, Dwayne Hassell; Maria Reekstin and Sandy Mendez-Reekstin (god-sister); niece, Joann Thomas and loving friends, Judy Davis, Benita Vaughans, and Gwen Daniels, cousins and college roommates Rose Pulliam and Teresa Hunter.

She also leaves a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, family members, friends, and all of you attending this service who have accompanied her on her journey.

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