Sherri A Willi

Heaven gained another angel when Sherri Willi from Gun Barrel City, passed away on April 16, 2021. Sherri was beloved by all who crossed paths with the lovely little Leprechaun. It’s an overused phrase, but Sherri never did meet a stranger. She made everyone feel welcome, and famously talked on the phone for an hour one day to someone who dialed the wrong number!

A true lover of all furry creatures, Sherri was happiest talking to the animals, whether it be the latest stray dog she rescued, a sloth in Roatan, a parrot in Hawaii, or a bison in Texas. Her other passion was singing, first as a teenager as the lead singer for the Untouchables, to later The Sweet Adeline’s, and along the way breaking out in song whenever she had the chance. One of the greatest nights of her life was singing with a group of Irishmen as she went pub to pub in Galway.

Sherri was married to her best friend, Jim for nearly 51 years. She was his guiding light, biggest booster and love of his life. Jim calls Sherri his hero. She always had a sunny disposition despite a host of health issues that caused her much pain every day. Sherri never complained, she just pressed on with determination and a smile. Sherri made everyone around her feel better too – an amazing trait.

Sherri made a career of hospitality, first working for Marriott Hotels, and then 17 years for American Airlines before health issues forced her to retire. Sherri spent much of her time on the American Airlines Resolution Desk, solving traveler’s problems and handling the grouchiest customers with a smile. She volunteered for the American Airlines Care Team which has the difficult task of comforting friends and relatives of plane crash victims. Sherri was very proud to be able to help those families.

She and Jim raised two sons, Zak and Josh. But her most recent joy was spending time with her 9-month-old grandson Troy, a blessing from Zak and his lovely wife Melinda.

She loved to travel, especially on cruises. Sherri was disappointed when Covid caused the cancellation of a 50th anniversary cruise that departed from her beloved Hawaii.

The world lost a bit of its sunshine when Sherri left us, but you just know the Irish eyes are smiling in heaven!