Carol Wallace Sherman

On December 27, 2025, longtime Williamsburg resident, Carol Wallace Sherman quietly took leave of this life she dearly loved for a new one of unlimited possibility. She was born in Watertown, NY on April 16, 1936, the daughter of Neil M. Wallace, a graduate of West Point and Eleanor Marguerite Seller who had completed studies at the New York School of Fine and Applied Art.

As the daughter of a career army officer, Carol led a nomadic early life. Among her most vivid childhood memories were trips into Oklahoma from nearby Ft. Sill. She was fascinated by the colorful displays of handicrafts by Native Americans in traditional dress. By the age of three, she could recite the names of plains Indians. At Ft. Knox, KY, she thrilled at learning in nursery school "Red, Yellow, Black and White they are precious in His sight." Little did she know that just over 30 years later she would be appointed by the President of the College of William and Mary to chair an ad hoc committee on the Status of Women and subsequently, the first College¬wide Affirmative Action Advisory Board. In the ensuing years, virtually all of the recommendations set forth in the annual reports of those committees were implemented. Throughout her career at William and Mary, Professor Sherman remained active in departmental and College-wide governance, always articulating clearly the role of the Arts in the life of the university community.

Carol graduated from Hollins University (BA Dramatic Art, Psychology Minor, 1957) and Sarah Lawrence College (MA Dance, Fine Art Minor, 1958). She was Professor of Dance, Emerita, College of William and Mary for 36 years and her 42 year career also included faculty positions at Indiana University, Bloomington, San Diego State University, the North Carolina School of the Arts, Interlochen Arts Academy and the 92 Street YM-YWCA in New York City where she performed professionally for several seasons.

When Carol married widower Roger Durand Sherman, she became a wife, mother and granny, soon to embark on the most challenging, heartwarming and unexpectedly rewarding 39 years of her life. Professor Roger Sherman was Chairman of Theatre and created the beautiful lighting design for Carol's choreography as well as that of other faculty and students. He was a talented designer and teacher. In summers, she and Roger enjoyed over 30 Elderhostels but most of all they enjoyed sharing their sanctuary home, which was designed by Wright B. "Chips" Houghland.

She is survived by Roger's three children: Bonnie Sherman, of Northfield, MN, Laura Sherman House (Bill) of Southern Pines, NC, and David Durand Sherman of Martinsville, VA. She is survived by five grandchildren, Forrest Saxon Sherman (Christian), Dare Sherman Frey, Morgan Sherman, Elizabeth Durand Wright and Francis Wright. Survivors include Carol's cousins, Pamela W. Gosner, and cousin, James H. Bennett. Also surviving Carol are step¬siblings Patricia Cairns Hourin, Douglas Cairns, and Scott Cairns. She was predeceased by her younger brother, Roger Neil Wallace, but cherished memories of him and his widow, Mary Baughman of Concord, MA. Carol is survived by seven great-grandchildren. Aunt Connie Seller and Uncle Donald Davey are deceased, as is Carol's stepmother Doris Brougher Wallace.

In recognition of her skill as a teacher, in 1985, the College awarded Professor Carol Sherman together with her longtime colleague Professor Shirley Roby, the first Thomas A. Graves Award for Sustained Excellence in Teaching. This honor has been awarded annually at commencement ever since. Professor Sherman and Professor Roby developed the Dance Minor at the College of William and Mary. In addition to Carol’s choreographic compositions performed at DANCEVENT concerts and her sensitive guidance and tireless support for student composition, she was an accomplished performer, lecturer and dance historian. For over 25 years she reviewed new books in dance for CHOICE.

For over 22 years Carol served as a volunteer with Hanni Sherman in the clothing closet at FISH and was a lively advocate for its services. She also enjoyed the opportunity to continue teaching for the Christopher Wren Association and the Osher Institute for life long learning. She served as a substitute for Meals on Wheels doing deliveries and enjoyed time spent in her beloved faith community, the Williamsburg Unitarian Universalists. She was always at Sunday morning service and enjoyed being an epicurean and playing percussion in the "UU" Tabernacle Band.

Carol was much loved by all who knew her. Also left to enjoy fond memories are countless former students, colleagues and her three closest friends, Lynn Allison, Larry Durrett and Shirley Roby of Williamsburg.

A celebration of her life will be held on February 22 at 2:00 p.m. at the Williamsburg Unitarian Universalist church, 3051 Ironbound Rd., Williamsburg, VA 23185.

Those wishing to remember Carol with a charitable contribution might consider: FISH, 312 Second Street, Williamsburg, VA 23185; The Williamsburg Universalists Endowment Fund, 3051 Ironbound Rd. Williamsburg, VA 23185; or The Roby/Sherman Dance Scholarship Fund P.O. Box 8795, The College of William and Mary, Dept. of Theatre and Dance, Williamsburg, VA 23187-6795.