Ms. Sherrie Penelope Harden, 61, of Phenix City, AL passed away Thursday, July 17, 2025 at her home.
Sherrie was born in Phenix City to Robert Espy Harden and Mary Evelyn Harden.
Dr. Warr delivered her into this world and she immediately held her head up with eyes wide open, ready for anything.
She was curious and loved learning. A lifelong friend of hers told her when she was younger that if she could read, she could do anything---and that is exactly what she did. Sherrie studied cosmetology, nursing and psychology before finding her true calling in working with children with autism. Her professional career began at Woodall Psychoeducational Program in Columbus. Sherrie studied intently the complexities of autism and made it her passion to reach children held captive by the disorder. Sherrie would have the honor of training under Rosemary Crossley and Ivar Lovaas, pioneers in the world of autism. Sherrie herself would become a leader in this challenging field. She was promoted as a trainer to the trainers, an incredible honor that only 8 others would share in the state of Georgia. Sherrie would later move her important work to the Muscogee County School District as a behavioral specialist and assistive technology specialist.
She retired early in her career due to complications of multiple sclerosis. Eventually even multiple sclerosis could not hold her back. Sherrie was tenacious in her battle with MS and would not let it define her.
Sherrie was a devoted daughter who adored her parents. They meant everything to her and she treasured her relationship with them. She truly enjoyed their company and would always look for opportunities and activities to spend with them after their move to Covenant Woods. Sherrie invested her time in helping her parents blossom at their new home. She developed many meaningful relationships with fellow residents. She was a wonderful listener, and many friendships grew out of her curiosity in listening to others and how they handled the challenges of life.
After the loss of her parents, the always curious Sherrie joined the Senior Center in Phenix City. New friendships and the discovery of a long-lost cousin enriched her travels with the center to Canada and the east coast. Sherrie enjoyed the activities at the center and participated in them whether they interested her or not. Sherrie’s main focus at the center were the people. She loved helping people and she loved making them happy. She loved her family, and she loved her friends. Sherrie had a very special band of friends as she liked to call them. They know who they are…
Of course, the most important person in her life was her partner of 36 years, Lucy. Lucy was by her side through good times and bad. All the ups and downs of her life, Lucy was always there. Sherrie’s family loved Lucy, after all everybody loves Lucy. She was her person and her soulmate and they enjoyed all that life had to offer them.
Sherrie’s lived a full life and enjoyed finding new hobbies. Her curiosity and love of learning brought her to tennis, trout fishing, dancing, and horses. She had a special place in her heart for the outdoors, especially camping and hiking in the mountains. She especially treasured her laps around Idle Hour Park/Moon Lake with her lifelong friend Gloria. Sherrie adored music and was a devoted fan of multi-instrumentalist Gunhild Carling. Sherrie would encourage anyone who enjoys joy or jazz to look up her incredible performances on YouTube.
Sherrie was surrounded by compassionate people in the end and she wanted to have special recognition to the ER staff at St. Francis along with Dr. Poojah Indir, Dr. Saba Gilani and Heather RN. A special love of thankfulness to Joyce and all of those with Columbus Hospice. Also, much appreciation to Dr. Donna Burrell, her family doctor. She is survived by her loving lifetime partner Lucy Greene. She is also survived by her sister, Sharon Minor, and nephew Chad Minor. Also, special Aunt and Uncle, Sarah and Jorge Vega, Aunt Voncile Thomas, Uncle Don Thomas and many cousins whom she loved.
It is hard to imagine the loss of Sherrie, who loved life so much. Sherrie was emphatic that seeking joy was the most important goal in life. Sherrie would implore us to not waste our time on negativity and to surround ourselves with positive people. We can best honor her memory by living by her example. In lieu of flowers, we can honor Sherrie by centering our heart on others. Be a good listener, be a good friend, speak an encouraging word to someone who is down, and fight for a cause you believe in. Fill your heart with joy every day.
A private burial will be held Wednesday, July 23 in Phenix City.
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