Sharon Sue Hatch

Sharon "Sheri" Sue Hatch (Phillips), 77, of Northern Virginia, passed away on May 19, 2026, at Walter Reed Hospital in Bethesda, Maryland. She was born on December 24, 1948, in Oil City, Pennsylvania. Sheri was known for her generous spirit, warm heart, and willingness to help anyone in need.

Sheri was preceded in death by her parents, First Sergeant Marshal George Phillips and Marian Ethel (Heffern) Phillips; her sister, Judy Rogers, who helped her through the challenges of military family life and many of her own personal struggles; a granddaughter; and a great-granddaughter. She was the last surviving member of her immediate family.

She graduated from Oil City High School in 1966 and later earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Strayer University.

Throughout her life, Sheri held a variety of jobs, but she was especially proud of her more than 30-year federal career, primarily in security-related positions. She began her federal service with the Army Research Institute and later worked for several organizations, including the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence (Army G-2), where she met her future husband.

One of her favorite assignments was with the Anti-Terrorism/Force Protection Directorate of the Pentagon Force Protection Agency. After successfully completing training at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, she earned credentials authorizing her to carry a weapon. Sheri often laughed about being described as a "little old lady" carrying a weapon in the Pentagon. Upon retirement, she served as the Security Manager for Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, where her dedication, professionalism, and attention to detail occasionally ruffled feathers but always reflected her commitment to excellence.

Sheri's giving nature extended far beyond her professional life. Earlier in her career, she worked with residents of a Pennsylvania facility serving individuals with special needs, an experience that further reflected her compassion and desire to help others.

She loved cooking, gardening, quilting, sewing, knitting, and crocheting. Her sewing room was her haven, where she constantly created beautiful projects and shared her knowledge with anyone who asked. Sheri especially enjoyed making themed quilts, pillows, and decorations for holidays and special occasions. She also created quilts and pillows that accompanied her husband on research trips, providing both comfort and reminders of home.

Sheri loved adventure, whether close to home or around the world. She traveled to South America several times with Mark and Shawn and enjoyed exploring the United States with her husband, always appreciating both the planned destinations and the spontaneous "that looks interesting" stops along the way.

She found great joy in attending Shawn's hockey games and cheering for the Washington Capitals. She was also fascinated by watching her husband decorate cakes, admiring both the artistry and creativity involved.

Sheri is survived by her beloved husband, Mark, whom she met while working at Army G-2. Their love story began when Sheri, helping a coworker with a school fundraiser, approached Mark and informed him that he was buying cookie dough. After he made his selection, she told him she expected cookies. That simple exchange marked the beginning of a courtship that led to marriage and 24 wonderful years together. Sheri loved ending the story by saying, "Not only did I get the cookies, but I also got the love of my life."

She is also survived by her daughter, Sandra Hatch; her son, Shawn Hatch; five grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; her loving sister-in-law, Thelma; and numerous cousins and friends who will dearly miss her.

Sheri's kindness, generosity, creativity, and love for family touched many lives. Her memory will be cherished by all who knew and loved her.