Sheryle “Sherry” Williams Marus, 79, passed away October 1, 2026, at Abbotswood in Greensboro, North Carolina, following a nearly two-year battle with ovarian cancer. Born Sheryle Lee Williams in Chicago on October 18, 1946, she was the daughter of Irene Ruth Laine Williams and John Morton Williams. She shared 56 years of marriage with Joseph Reginald “Joe” Marus, who preceded her in death in September 2024.
Known for her bright smile and infectious spirit, Sherry made others feel loved and important. She lived with optimism, gratitude, generosity, and a sense of adventure, finding beauty in everyday moments.
A devoted mother and grandmother, her greatest joy was making memories with family, often preserving them through her camera. Some of her nature photographs appeared in National Geographic. She loved scuba diving and snow skiing, was a master seamstress, and especially cherished gardening.
Following her cancer diagnosis, Sherry moved to Abbotswood, where she formed treasured friendships. Her family thanks the Abbotswood team and AuthoraCare for their compassionate care and support.
Her deepening faith brought comfort and peace. Her family finds solace in believing she is reunited in heaven with Joe and her daughter, Laine Iris Crowe.
Preceded in death by her husband, daughter, and parents, Sherry is survived by her son, Joseph John "JJ" Marus, and his wife, Leslie Myers Marus; son-in-law, Brian Thomas Crowe and five grandchildren, Reid and Henley Crowe, and Mac, Lily, and Violet Marus.
A Celebration of Life Gathering will be held at Greensboro Country Club on October 18, 2026, from 3 to 5 p.m., which would have been her 80th birthday.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Laine Marus Crowe Scholarship, checks payable to Meredith College, Attn: IA, 3800 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh, NC 27607 or online at donor.Meredith.edu, please include the fund name in the memo line, AuthoraCare of Greensboro, 2504 Summit Avenue, Greensboro, NC 27405, authoracare.org or the Abbotswood Employee Appreciation Fund (AEAF), 3504 Flint St., Greensboro, NC 27405, Attn: Brittany Catoe.
“I’ve done everything I wanted to in my life,” Sherry told her son a few months before her passing. Her family treasures those words and her legacy of love, generosity, and joy.
