Sherry was a unique individual. She, from early childhood on, possessed great self-confidence. There was nothing that she was afraid of. This combined with a precocious interest in performing on stage led her to pursue acting and public speaking. Sherry became widely known in her hometown of Hamlet for her public speaking skills, even as a young teenager. For instance, a resident of Hamlet included in his will the request for her to deliver his eulogy, which she did when she was fourteen years old. She also as a teenager was a Carolina Playmaker at UNC Chapel Hill and performed in the famous “Lost Colony” drama production in Manteo on Roanoke Island. While in college in Washington, D.C. in the late 1940s, she had her own radio show and was involved in the early days of television. This led to her doing the first live television commercial in history. After getting married and moving to Charlotte, Sherry worked for the two local television stations in Charlotte, becoming the first female weather reporter in the city and also hosting a noontime talk show on WBTV for many years. Having previously modeled in Washington, D.C. and with a keen interest in fashion, she was a creator of the first fashion show in Charlotte, “Serenade to Autumn”, through the Junior Woman’s Club.
In addition, Sherry had two other great passions in life. A keen interest in social justice for those who were disadvantaged either by prejudice or economic circumstances, and a deep love for nature and all its creatures. She privately and quietly helped hundreds of individuals over the course of her life. Sherry had a great compassion for animals, especially those who were being mistreated. She also appreciated the grandeur of nature, especially trees, and was a lifelong advocate for preserving the beauty of Charlotte.
Finally and most importantly, Sherry had a profound love and commitment to her family. She was a loving, devoted mother and wife. Sherry married Bernard Richter on December 24, 1950. They were married 38 years, the last ten years of which Sherry cared for Bernard during a prolonged illness until his death in 1988. She has two sons, Lloyd (Elizabeth), and Benjamin (Carol), both of Charlotte. She also has seven grandchildren: Jennifer Hanson (Michael) of Houston, Benjamin Richter of Charlotte, Meredith Powell (Dave) of Charlotte, Brittany Richter of Charlotte, Kaleigh Richter of New York City, Ashley Richter of Los Angeles, and Jason Richter of Boulder, Colorado. In addition, she has six great-grandchildren: Connor, Bain, and Ensley Hanson of Houston, and Rivers, Porter, and Ella Powell of Charlotte. Sherry was the second eldest of five children: Alvin Levine (Dana) of St. Pete Beach, Florida, Frankie Dubro (Myron) of Riverside, New York, and Hoda Blau (Bob) of Short Hills, New Jersey. She was predeceased by her brother Lewis Levine. She was blessed with numerous nephews, nieces, friends, and neighbors whom she loved very much. Sherry also had a second family of two loving caretakers, Cherly Belton and Tashmia Belton. Their devotion to Sherry was heartwarming and their exquisite care prolonged her life many years beyond what was expected.
Per Sherry’s wishes, the family held a private graveside service on November 22, 2017 at Forest Lawn East Cemetery. Cantor Mary Rebecca Thomas of Temple Beth El officiated the service.
Memorial contributions may be made to: The Greater Charlotte Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) Online: www.charlottespca.org By Mail: PO Box 77491, Charlotte NC 28271, or the Humane Society of Charlotte Online: humanesocietyofcharlotte.org By Mail: 2700 Toomey Avenue, Charlotte NC 28203.
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