Sherry T. Atha, age 77, died of natural causes on Sunday, August 1, 2021, in Pensacola, FL. Sherry was born on January 10, 1944, in Evansville, IN, to the late John Fox and Velma Belinda Russell Thomas, Sr. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by a brother, John Fox Thomas, Jr., and two sisters, Jan Thomas Ellzey and Jeanne Thomas Blake.

Sherry spent most of her childhood in Norman, OK, where, at age 10, she met her lifelong partner and husband Steve.  She was a passionate Speech and Language Pathologist, earning her bachelor's degree from the University of Oklahoma and a master's degree from Augusta State University.  Sherry nurtured countless elementary school children over her 40-year career, including those in the school systems at Muskegon County, MI, and Escambia County, FL.   She finally retired from teaching after spending twenty years at her beloved Bel Air Elementary School in Columbia County, GA, at which time she and Steve returned to Pensacola, FL, to be near their children. Sherry loved every child she met and endeared herself to most adults with her wicked wit, teasing sense of humor, and wide smile.  Sherry also devoted herself to spreading God's love by making herself at home in the Episcopal Church.  She harnessed her love for children by frequently teaching Sunday School and Vacation Bible School.  She sought to spread love to adults by being active in church programs such as Cursillo and St. Stephen's Ministries.  Sherry served as founder of Holy Cross's Prayer Shawl Ministry and spent time visiting hospitals as a Therapy Dog Handler.  She enjoyed playing guitar, tending her rose garden, and loving the endless stream of pets with which she shared her life. She felt no greater joy, however, than spending time with Steve, their two daughters, and many other dear family members, too numerous to name.

Those left to cherish her memory include her devoted husband, Steven T. Atha, of Pensacola, FL; two loving daughters, Lisa A. Mitchell (Rod), of Milton, FL, and Melissa P. Atha (Jason Nicholls), of Milton, FL; and four precious grandchildren, Hanna Mitchell, Zoee Nicholls, Quinn Nicholls and Owen Fox Nicholls.

Visitation with the family will be held at 9:30am CST, on Saturday, August 21, 2021 at Holy Cross Episcopal Church, 7979 Ninth Ave, Pensacola, FL, 32514, preceding a Memorial Celebration of Life Service.

The Celebration of Sherry T. Atha's Life will be held at 10:00am CST, on Saturday, August 21, 2021 at Holy Cross Episcopal Church, 7979 N. Ninth Ave, Pensacola, FL, 32514, with a light reception to follow in the church's parish hall and garden. Sherry requested that those in attendance wear bright colors and their fanciest hat as a tribute to her, our "Hat Lady." (Sherry's extensive hat collection will be made available at the celebration for those who choose to honor her by wearing one.) The celebration will also be live-streamed at 10:00am CST via Holy Cross's Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/HolyCrossEpiscopalPensacola/

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Sherry T. Atha's name to Holy Cross Episcopal Church Children Ministries, 7979 N Ninth Ave, Pensacola, FL 32514.

Sherry's cremains will be inurned at Holy Cross Episcopal Church after the celebration in accordance with her wishes.