Sherman Thigpen

As a young man Sherman was an inspiration to his family, school and church. He excelled in his studies and graduated form Parrish High School in Hazlehurst, Mississippi.

Sherman was a faithful church member. He accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior at an early age as he attended the Greater Damascus Church of God in Christ Holiness and was a featured soloist in the choir.

Sherman moved to Venice, California in 1956 and then to Los Angeles, Californian in 1957. He worked for the City of Los Angeles as a truck driver and retired with 30 years of exemplary service.

After moving to Los Angeles, Sherman met the love of his life Nettie. They were married on July 6, 1958 and moved to Compton, California, where they made their home for 30 years. He and his wife attended the Community Baptist Church with Dr. E. Boyd Ester as their pastor. As part of the Community Baptist Church Family he served on the usher board and the choir.

Sherman and Nettie moved to Moreno Valley, California on July 31, 1987 and made Vinelife Christian Church their church home in 1988 under the leadership of Dr. Robert L. Wilks Jr. There he served on the usher board, the personal counselor department, Intercessory Prayer Leader, Pastor's Intercessor and compassion servant committee member until his health failed.

Sherman had a special friendship with many of the Vinelife Christian Fellowship family. They affectionately called him Papa Sherman, Papa, Uncle, Pops, Uncle Sherman and Dad

On May 8, 2012 life ended as we know it on earth and started for Sherman in Heaven where he will live forever.

Always loving and remembering the place that he held on earth as a devoted husband, father, and father figure to the family are his wife, Nettie of 54 years; his daughter, Lillian Shofner (Ricky); granddaughter, Angel Taylor (Derrick); his sister, Sallie M. Hudson (Carson, CA); his brother, Arthur Thigpen Jr. (Jean) of Desellemands, LA.

Six brothers-in-law: Franklin Gross, Eherenburg, AZ.; Nathaniel Goss (Nellie), Fort Worth, TX; Dr. Paul Goss (Alzona), Compton, CA; Mathew Goss (Joan), Redlodge, MT.; Herbert Goss (Cora Mae), Alcoa, TN; Ernest Goss (Clara), Smyrna, TN; Sister-in-law, Norma Goss, Compton, CA; God children, Sharita Yaazid, Mark Duvall, Randall Dodson, Philip Williams and Jazmyn williams, and a host of nieces, nephews and friends who knew him more than an uncle. Sherman was also known as Papa Sherman, Papa, and Grandpa. He also had special life long friends; Lora Faulk, Lola LaBon, and Elouise Harvest. Special thanks to the 50th Anniversary Committee. Love and gratitude to Nicole Burnson, Valeri and Bart Ross, Lora Flaulk, and Sean Jackson who were there to help as caregivers.

Thanks is not enough for the loving care that the staff of the "Our Countryside Resort" and the Hospice Department gave to Sherman during his stay. His wants and needs were given to him with the up most care and compassion. You treated him as extended family, not as a patient. My prayer is that God will forever bless you for your compassion in caring for others at such a time in their lives.

Life's Journey

Life is short and we are only here for a limited time. Use it wisely; accept Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior. Pray to God for wisdom and strength to carry our the earthly mission that He has assigned to you. And at the end know that you left the world a better place because of your faith in God.

See you when you get home.

Love,

Sherman