Sherri Smith Luke

Sherri Lee Shaw Luke was born on July 6th, 1963, to the union of Leander J. Shaw Jr. and Dolores Ponton Shaw in Jacksonville, Florida. A devoted wife, daughter, and mother, she was preceded in death by her parents and her older brother, Leander Jerry Shaw III. Sherri lived a life defined by love, compassion, and integrity — always putting the needs of others before her own. Whether she was fishing, cross-stitching, writing, or simply spending time with her children and grandchildren, Sherri poured her heart into every moment. Her family was her greatest joy, and she cherished the time she spent with them.

A true renaissance woman, Sherri’s journey was one of courage, service, and relentless learning. She enlisted in the United States Marine Corps as an Air Traffic Controller, demonstrating her ability to thrive under pressure. After her time in the military, she joined the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office (JSO) and later was recruited to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) as a Special Agent for the Governor’s Task Force on Crimes Against Children, where she worked tirelessly to protect the most vulnerable.

Sherri continued her law enforcement career at Florida A&M University, where she served as a Police Sergeant and Investigator until her medical retirement. She made safety her top priority, dedicating herself to both protecting her community and empowering others through education. Sherri taught self-defense, constitutional law, and report writing at police academies across Florida, ensuring new officers were prepared to serve with integrity and skill.

In addition to her distinguished career, Sherri earned degrees in both Criminal Justice and Emergency Management, along with more than 50 certifications across a wide range of subjects. If something sparked her curiosity, she didn’t just read about it — she mastered it. Watching her seamless shift between teaching and learning was truly inspiring. But Sherri’s brilliance wasn’t just in what she knew — it was in how she shared her knowledge and kindness with the world.

As an Emergency Manager, she dedicated herself to keeping communities safe. Her curiosity led her to learn Japanese, forging meaningful friendships with those in Okinawa. Sherri’s love for people extended to her home, which became a welcoming haven for students from across the world — each one leaving with a lasting impression of her warmth, wisdom, and boundless generosity.

Sherri believed in experiencing all the world had to offer and found her greatest joy in bringing happiness to others. Her life was a beautiful reflection of that belief — full of adventure, connection, and purpose.

A devout Christian confessed Christ and joined New Mount Moriah AME Church on April 14, 2024. Although she was unable to actively participate and attend church, she supported the Women’s Missionary Society by providing gifts for children and other items for the needy. She enjoyed the online church services and supported other programs of her church. A devout Christian, Sherri’s faith never wavered. She believed God’s word as stated in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. “But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus, we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore, comfort one another with these words. “

When Sherri was diagnosed with terminal cancer in late 2023, she made it her mission to demonstrate how her God would use her journey to inspire and uplift others. She faced her diagnosis with unwavering faith, courage, and grace — never once losing sight of her purpose. Her strength left us in awe, and her faith remained steadfast until the very end.

She is survived by her loving husband, Edmond Joseph Luke; three children, Rodney Darnell Smith Jr. (DelRae), Brandon Lee Smith, and Shernelle Toi-Alicia Smith; two sisters, Dione King (Bembry) and Dawn Simms; seven grandchildren; and numerous bonus children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren; her Link sisters, and many sorrowing friends.

May her heavenly life be all that she prayed it would be. Rest in peace, beautiful angel. May the Lord guide you through your eternal journey of peace. And when you get there, please tell Nana and Granddad we all say hi.