Athens - Sherry Gail (Wright) McElyea, 75, passed away peacefully in her home on March 23, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.

The funeral will be Thursday, March 26, 2026, at 1:00 p.m., at Limestone Chapel Funeral Home, with Jackson Cox leading the service. Visitation will be Thursday, from 11:00 to 12:45 p.m. Pallbearers will be Marty McElyea, Blake McMahan, Caleb King, Jamie Evans, Jamie Nelms, Larry Birdwell, and Colby Cooter.

Sherry was born on November 22, 1950, in Decatur, AL, to her parents, Elgie and Sarah (Birdwell) Wright. She was the third of five children. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Hiram "Buddy" Wright.

She is survived by her husband, Bill McElyea, and her children: Travis McElyea (Daphne) and Karen Williams (Barry). She has four granddaughters: Kayla King (Caleb), Riley McMahan (Blake), Tessa Cox (Jackson), and Jadyn McElyea. Sherry has five cherished great-grandchildren: Ellery, Lane, Ivey, Ridge, and Nollie. Sherry also has three loving sisters: DeWanda Chambers (Jim), Kathy Evans (Ron), and Jeanna Cooter (Billy).

Sherry was a devoted wife to her beloved husband, Bill, and a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was a faithful Christian known for her kind and gentle spirit and her warm, beautiful smile. Sherry enjoyed taking an annual trip to Fort Walton Beach, where she made everlasting memories with her family. She also loved cheering on the Crimson Tide, and she was always eager for a good shopping trip.

Sherry had a true servant's heart and spent many years caring for others as a dedicated nurse, where she lovingly tended to countless children. Sherry had a special love for children and babies that remained with her throughout her life. Sherry also had a love for music. She sang with her sisters in their band "The Wrights" in her earlier years and was a longtime member of her church's choir at 7 Mile Post Road Church of Christ. Music, especially hymns, brought a special comfort to Sherry in her last days. Above all, Sherry will be remembered for her meek and gentle spirit, her unwavering faith, and the deep love she had for her family. Her legacy lives on in the many lives she touched with her kindness, care, and devotion.