Sherry Holliday Swords

She was preceded in death by her parents Fred Hulett Holliday and Gladie Mae McAlister, and her husband, Stephen Desmond Swords Jr., in 2015. She is survived by her son, Trip (Wendy); her five grandchildren, Brooke, Brock, Brandon, Janie, and Drew; and her sister, Libby (Roger).

A graduate of Parker High School, Sherry met Stephen in Greenville, South Carolina. They married in 1967 and welcomed Trip into their family through adoption in 1971.

Sherry began her career as an interior designer with Kiser Floor Fashions and Samuels Furniture and Interiors. She later transitioned to medical office management with Klein Internal Medicine, Methodist Minor Meds, and Telerhythmics. At every stage, her workplaces brought lasting, lifelong friendships. Outside of work, she built strong connections through New Neighbors, Collierville First Baptist Church, and most recently, Sycamore Ridge.

Throughout her life, Sherry treasured her role as a mother and grandmother above all else. Her five grandchildren were a source of immense pride and joy. During her final weeks, her family was comforted by the outpouring of love from friends spanning every chapter of her life. While in hospice care, when asked by her son if she was ready to go “home,” Sherry simply pointed upward, a gesture that brought her family both heartbreak and peace.

“We are human and we miss you, but because we are Christians, we celebrate your life and rejoice in your return to your heavenly home.” That same quote was used eleven years ago in the obituary of Sherry’s husband but could not be more fitting today.

She will be remembered as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. Her family is profoundly grateful for her 79 years and for the community that surrounded her with love and prayer.

Services will be held on Friday, October 2nd, 2026 at 4:00 PM with visitation beginning at 2:00 PM at Collierville Funeral Home located at 3863 Bailey Station Rd, Collierville, TN. Following the service, family and friends are invited to stay for food and fellowship. We look forward to this time to visit, share stories and memories while celebrating her life.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be to the Small Cell Ovarian Cancer Foundation at SCOCF | Small Cell Ovarian Cancer Foundation in honor of Bailey Grace Purkey.