In Remembrance Of
Sherry Jo (Smith) Ashenfelter
Sherry Jo (Smith) Ashenfelter passed away in St. Johns, Florida on September 8, 2019 at the age of 75. Sherry was born December 18, 1943 in St. Joseph, Missouri to parents Josephine Cummings Smith and Floyd Lee Smith.
Left behind to cherish Sherry’s memory are John (Jack) Ashenfelter (husband), David Elliott Boyer (son), Thuy-Trang Nguyen Boyer (daughter-in-law), Beth Smith (step-mother), Terry Lee Smith (half-brother), Deborah Kay Prendes (half-sister), her cats – Fancy and Moon Pie – and additional extended family and friends.
Sherry spoke fondly of her small-town upbringing in Gower, Missouri. In the Gower Baptist Church, she participated in the Girls’ Auxiliary and Training Union, taught Vacation Bible school, sang solos and duets, and was a member of the choir. At Gower High School, Sherry served as Vice President and President of the Student Council, Editor of the Yearbook, a cheerleader, majorette, homecoming queen attendant, FHA song leader and reporter, chorus soloist, and a member of Gower’s sextet, pep club, junior play cast, and senior play cast. She graduated as the valedictorian of the class of 1961 and, was awarded the Schuster Key for excellence in academics and her participation in so many activities.
At the University of Kansas, Sherry earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Education with a concentration in Political Science, was inducted into two honor societies, Pi Lambda Theta and Pi Sigma Alpha and graduated with distinction. At the University of Connecticut, Sherry earned a Masters degree in Social Work and, subsequently earned the Certified Social Work (CSW), and Academy of Certified Social Work (ACSW) credentials. Sherry was employed as a school social worker in Illinois where she was named Social Worker of the Year in 1983 for the Illini District of the National Association of Social Workers.
Sherry was known for her intelligence, wit, outgoing personality, and compassion. She very much enjoyed public speaking and was told by many, many, people that she was a natural born teacher. Sherry considered herself an Elvis girl, and her greatest passion was dancing. Sherry and Jack, accomplished dancers, voluntarily taught dancing to over five-hundred students, ages eight to ninety-five. Sherry extended joy and encouragement to all who knew her.
To honor Sherry’s memory, donations may be made to:
Community Hospice and Palliative Care, 4266 Sunbeam Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32257
the Jacksonville Humane Society, 8464 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32216
Westminster Retirement Communities Foundation 25 State Road 13, Jacksonville FL 32259
A celebration of life will be held for Sherry from 10am-11am on September 14th, 2019 at her retirement community – Westminster Woods on Julington Creek (25 State Road 13 Jacksonville, FL 32259) in the auditorium.
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2 comments
Jim Watkins
David and Jack: I did my social work internship with Sherry during the 1980-81 academic year at Central High School in Champaign, IL. I had worked a number of years before returning to school so I was only a few years younger than Sherry. She was beyond wonderful. Her terminal optimism, ability to connect with students and staff, deep caring in everything she did, and her terrific sense of humor. Did I mention how much fun it was just to be around her?
She gave me so many opportunities. Her Peer Ears program was just getting started and it was already making a difference in the building. Sherry could connect with anyone. Plain and simple, I loved her for her passion, caring, creativity, and trust and belief in students. Of course I also loved her always near the surface sense of humor. When things would get stressful or difficult Sherry would sometimes say, “The circus was on fire and the heat was in tents” and then off she’d go to handle it in her usual good natured way.
I thought I was a decent social worker after a number of years in the field. Sherry made me want to be better simply by being a model of what was possible. Her positive enthusiasm would shine through in even the most difficult moments.
Jack and David, I’m so sorry for your loss. You and the world has lost an incredibly wonderful human being. I have carried her memory, lessons and love of life with me for nearly 40 years now. I will continue carrying those things as long as my memory allows. Peace.
Michael O'Connor
Sincere and heartfelt condolences to Dave and all of Sherry’s family on her passing. She was a classy lady, I am glad to have know her (and have been the recipient of some free lunches and dinners at her treat during my college years), and I specifically recall her unmistakable look of pride and joy at Dave & Trang’s wedding.