of Benton, AR
December 18, 1945 - April 1, 2015
Sheryl Diane Cobb Gardner was born on December 18, 1945, to Bo and Peggy Cobb in Sheffield, Alabama. She passed from this life into the arms of Jesus on Wednesday, April 1 at Saline Memorial Hospital surrounded by her family. Sherry was preceded in death by her dad.
Sherry graduated from Benton High School and attended Harding University. She worked as a dental assistant for Dr. Don Brashears before devoting her full-time duty to raising a family.
Sherry married Lester (Curly) Gardner on April 25, 1968 and they enjoyed 47 years together. God blessed their marriage with two children, Jim and Melissa, who've faithfully followed their parents' example with a living faith in Jesus Christ.
Sherry was a servant of people, particularly among her church family at Northside Church of Christ. She was a Bible class teacher for children, a regular cook at Barton Bible Camp, and an encourager through her smile, her notes, and her unexpected gifts to others.
As her children grew, Sherry returned to the workforce and a job she loved on the cafeteria staff at Benton High School. She loved the excitement on campus and being able to interact with and encourage students. She enjoyed the camaraderie of working alongside ladies that would forge lifelong friendships.
But Sherry was at her absolute best as a grandmother. She was Grammy, mentor and best friend to Trae, Tori, Elliot and Keaton. Her constant pain and health struggles could not stop her desire to spend time and love on her grandchildren.
Sherry leaves behind, but waits in anticipation of her husband, Lester; her son, Jim and his wife Mandy of Benton and their children, Trae and Tori; her daughter Melissa and her husband Ryan Halford of Bentonville and their children, Elliot and Keaton; her mother Peggy Cobb of Benton; her sisters, Donna Curtis of Little Rock, Cathy Woodrome of Benton and Barbie McDaniel of Bryant; her brother George Cobb of Sherwood and numerous nieces and nephews who all knew they were deeply loved by Sherry.
The family invites all those who knew and loved Sherry to honor her life and legacy in two ways. First, a celebration of life service will be held at Northside Church of Christ on Sunday afternoon, April 12. Visitation will begin at 1:30 with the service to follow at 2:30. Second, in lieu of flowers, the family requests gifts in Sherry's memory to endow church camp scholarships be made to Northside Church of Christ (917 North East Street, Benton, AR 72015). Your gifts will provide spiritually enriching opportunities for children for years to come, a mission that was dear to Sherry's heart.
Services provided by Roller-Ballard Funeral Home in Benton (501-315-4047).
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33 Condolence(s)
Dorcas Styles Ramsay
Sunday, April 12, 2015
I am so sorry to here of Sherry's passing. I have
always admired and appreciated every one of Bo and Peggy's children and their precious families. I love you all and my prayers of comfort are for you. What a glorious place to be with Our Father in Heaven! In Christian Love Always, Larry and Dorcas Ramsay
Patsy Phillips Taylor
Saturday, April 11, 2015
Sherry and I were best friends in junior high. I remember spending many weekends with her and going to church on Sundays, primping, trying new hairdos. Her mom and dad were so kind to me and I loved coming to visit because of all the action at their home. I was an only child and Sherry had Donna, Cathy, Barbie and then along came George. Sweet memories of my friend and her family. I live in Houston and cannot attend the service, but have seen the beautiful video memorial put together with such love. We will meet again, my friend, and I can't wait to give you a hug in heaven. I wish you all comfort and sweet memories of an extraordinary girl & woman!
Bob and Carlene Webb
Friday, April 10, 2015
We are saddened to hear of Sherrie's passing. However, she isn't hurting any more and with our gracious and loving heavenly Father. May God continue to comfort her family and give them all His wonderful peace. Love in Christ. Bob and Carlene.
Brenda Patterson
Friday, April 10, 2015
thoughts and prayers for your family Barbie.
Lucille White, Vickie White, Christopher Spence
Thursday, April 9, 2015
Jim and family:
Our hearts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time of grief! May God's total peace and comfort and love be with you all, knowing that Sheryl is with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ and totally healed! Thank you, Jesus!
Love and blessings!
Charles & Jan Carty
Wednesday, April 8, 2015
Jim and Family,
We are so very sorry for your loss and will be praying for your family through this difficult time. May GOD be with you and give you comfort.
We know that you all will be reunited someday in Heaven.
You were blessed by the LORD in having your Mother with you so long and when you all see her again you will be together forever.
Deborah S Petty
Tuesday, April 7, 2015
Sheryl I Went To School with your Sister Barbie McDaniel She Was Always So Sweet With A Big Smile On Her Face!!
You Have A Big Smile On Your Face!!
Sue & Wes Poole
Tuesday, April 7, 2015
We were saddened to hear of Sherry's death. Keeping you in thought and prayer.
Dana and Kelly Fugitt
Monday, April 6, 2015
I am so sad to hear of Sherry's passing. My prayers are with the entire family. She was such a sweet, sweet lady.
Bill Allison
Sunday, April 5, 2015
Curly, and family, we are so sorry to hear of Sherry's passing, our thoughts and prays are with you all. Sherry was such as sweet and precious woman , she will truly be missed.
Kay Hankins
Sunday, April 5, 2015
I worked with Sherry at Benton High School. She was a very sweet lady that lived her faith. She always was helpful and kind to everyone. May God be your comfort at this time.
Vicki Cook
Saturday, April 4, 2015
To the Gardner family I am so sorry for your loss. Your Mom,wife and sister was such a sweet lady. I enjoyed the times I had with her and loved having her as a neighbor. She was a wonderful person that loved her family and was a hard worker. I will always remember her. I could not have asked for a better neighbor or friend. She will be missed. But heaven just gained another Angel.
Ian & Laura Mcquade
Saturday, April 4, 2015
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Eloise m. Oldridge
Saturday, April 4, 2015
So sorry for your loss. She was a special lady. She loved you dearly. Prayers for your family at this time.
Cyndi Connell
Saturday, April 4, 2015
My heart hurts for each of you; Sherry's life was a constant light of Christ. She made the world- and each of us- better.
Jody, Andrea, Noah, and Adam Styles
Saturday, April 4, 2015
Sherry was a wonderful woman! She exemplified Christ in her life, as she was always giving, sharing, encouraging, and smiling!
So, thankful to have known her and to have received her love.
Gerry McDaniel Woodall
Saturday, April 4, 2015
My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Philip Stinnett
Saturday, April 4, 2015
My Thoughts & prayers are with you all!
In Him,Philip Stinnett
Ryan Lewis
Friday, April 3, 2015
I have a heavy heart hearing of the passing of your Mother Jim and Melissa. It came as a shock to me, as I'm sure it did ya'll. Words can't express my sorrow for your family at this time, but I hope you can find some comfort knowing she is in her new flesh with Him above!
My deepest sympathy and love, Ryan.
Vicki Cobb Ehni
Friday, April 3, 2015
It has been many years since I have seen Sherry. I remember her as a kind, beautiful, wonderful example of a Christian woman. I know she will be missed.
Debbie and Tommy Hobbs
Friday, April 3, 2015
Sherry was a wonderful lady and we will miss her sweet smile. Prayers for her family.
Jimmy, Camille, Jason Allen
Friday, April 3, 2015
Praise God for the wonderful example left by our sister!
Leslie Hays Richards and Mark Hays
Friday, April 3, 2015
You are all in our thought and prayers as you celebrate Sherry's life and Home coming. We both hold cherished memories, all the more treasured today.
Les & Freda Nichols
Friday, April 3, 2015
Curly, Jim, Melissa and all of the family, our hearts or heavy for you at this time. It was wonderful having known Sherry, she was always a friendly happy bundle of joy to be around. It is just so wonderful to know she has no pain now only peace and happiness knowing she will be with each of you one day.
Karen Nelson
Friday, April 3, 2015
Our prayers are with all of you.
Karen and Don Nelson
Randy Mitchell
Friday, April 3, 2015
Sherry will always be in my heart as a kind and compassionate Christian lady. I know she is smiling on each of you as her loving family. May God bless you with peace and comfort.
Gordon and Sherry Christensen
Friday, April 3, 2015
Melissa and family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you all in this difficult time. Sherry will be missed by all that knew her.She is now in the arms of Jesus.
Kim Otwell Cooney
Friday, April 3, 2015
Curly & Family, I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. Sherry truly had a heart of a servant and will be greatly missed! God Bless!
Shawn, Kim and Sydney Wallace
Friday, April 3, 2015
"Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength." Nehemiah 8:10
Mr. Curly and family...Sherry simply beat us to the prize. She is basking in that joy that we are left here to hope for. Your entire family will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers. Though we rejoice she is no longer hurting...her shoes cannot be filled here and her presence, her smile, will be greatly missed.
Tammy Givens
Friday, April 3, 2015
To the Gardner family. We love you and are praying for you. Sherry was so good to our family and for that we will forever be grateful. She always offered a smile, hug, and encouraging words. We will miss her.
Dan Scott
Friday, April 3, 2015
Curly and family, I'm so saddened for your loss but at the same time, I rejoice in Sherry being in her heavenly home. She touched so many hearts with her beautiful spirit and delightful smile. Our loss, heaven's gain. She was truly a beautiful rosebud on Earth and now is in full bloom in the Lord's presence. God bless you all, you are all such a wonderful Christian example for us. In Christian love......
Don & Mary Collins
Thursday, April 2, 2015
Curly, Jim & family we were blessed to have known and worshipped with Sherry when you were at HSV. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this bitter-sweet time. I know she has left you with wonderful memories to keep in yours hearts as you go forward.
Dena Page
Thursday, April 2, 2015
Curly & family, please know that me and Scott loved Sherry with all our hearts and she will be missed by us deeply. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and the family during this time. What a day it will be when we see her again!