Sherry Lynn Vest

Sherry Lynn (Shirley) Vest, 73, passed away peacefully on November 29, 2022 in her home in Miramar Beach, FL, surrounded by family.

Sherry was born in Glenwood, AL and raised by her mother, Marion Shirley. With the help of her uncle, Jim Byrd, she attended East Texas State University in Commerce, TX and became a Social Worker. She met her devoted husband of 47 years, Jim Vest, on the New Year’s Eve of 1973 in Selma, Alabama, and they were married in 1975. After living in Puerto Rico and Omaha, Sherry and Jim moved to Washington State, where their two children were born. From that point on, Sherry lovingly served her family as a homemaker and stay-at-home mother. After subsequent moves to Atlanta, Canada, Omaha, and again to Atlanta, Sherry and family moved to Miramar Beach in 1989 and settled in Niceville in 1990. After their children graduated high school and left home, Sherry and Jim made one final move back to Miramar Beach in 2008 to enjoy life together overlooking the Emerald Coast. Like her mother before her, Sherry became “Mamo” to two beloved grandchildren.

A “yellow dog Democrat,” Sherry was passionate about social justice and racial equality, supporting non-profits and political leaders who work for human rights, equal opportunity, and peaceful coexistence. She was, at the same time, fiercely protective of her children and supportive of their independence as unique individuals. While instilling in them a love for Southern culture, she also taught them how to transcend the prejudices and stereotypes of the past. She was a lifelong fan of the Auburn Tigers and surely proclaimed “War Eagle!” upon her arrival at the pearly gates.

Sherry was preceded in death by her mother, Marion Byrd Shirley; sister, Sandra Shirley Lacy; and brother-in-law, Furman Demetrius Milton.  She is survived by her husband, Jim Vest; son, John Vest, daughter-in-law, Anna, and grandsons, Noah and Elijah, of Glen Allen, VA; daughter, Amy Church and son-in-law, Scott, of Destin, FL; sister, Annette Shirley Milton, of Waco, TX; brother-in-law, Edmund Pettus Lacy III, of Macon, GA; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Jim, John, and Amy will welcome visitors at Heritage Gardens Funeral Home in Niceville on Friday, December 2 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. A celebration of life will take place at a later date in Miramar Beach. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the ACLU in Sherry's memory.

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