It began in the eighth grade. A young Sherman set his eyes on Marian Dean, and from that day forward, his heart had only one home. Sixty years of marriage. Six decades of choosing each other, all over again.
Born to the late Frank and Bettye Byers, Sherman was raised among brothers Kenny, Frank, Doug, and Timothy. Fresh out of high school, he proudly joined the United States Marine Corps where he rose to the rank of Sergeant (E-5). His service carried him from Santa Ana, California to Philadelphia, where he and Dean built their family and the career he loved in automotive sales.
Sherman and Dean welcomed three sons: Sherman Lamont, Antonio Alfredo (lost as an infant), and Marcus 'Marc' Antwain. He was blessed with three granddaughters: Yasmeen 'Meena,' Mya, and Cobyn.
Twenty-Three Years of Grace. Twenty-three years ago, Sherman survived a massive heart attack and stroke. By the grace of God and the unyielding love of his wife, it became the beginning of a new chapter.
Dean was Sherman's wife, his best friend, and his at-home nurse for more than two decades. The level of personal care she gave is unmatched. She gave him not only sixty years of marriage--she gave him twenty-three more years of life.
Around Sherman, Dean, Sherman Lamont, and Marc built a fortress of love that could not be touched. The sons stepped up as the heads of the family, ensuring their parents had nothing to worry about. Sherman raised men, and his sons proved it.
But above all, he will be remembered as the husband of Dean--the boy who chose her in the eight grade, and never once did she stop choosing him.
Forever our King, Forever her Love.
The family will receive friends on Monday, May 4, 2026 from 11:00 AM until Noon at Bunch-Johnson Funeral Home, located at 705 Davie Avenue in Statesville. A funeral service will be conducted in the Chapel of Bunch-Johnson Funeral Home at Noon with Bishop Reggie L. Brown, Sr. officiating. Sherman will be laid to rest at Belmont Cemetery in Statesville.
Condolences and other expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family, online at www.bunchjohnsonfuneralhome.com
Bunch-Johnson Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the care of Sherman and his family.
