Sherrilee Austin touched the lives of many people in many places. She was born Sherrilee Kingery on December 3, 1947 in South Bend, Indiana before moving to Tampa, Florida where she spent her youth and graduated from Robinson High School. While working at a local radio station she met Jack Phipps whom she married in 1971. After several moves with the Navy, they settled down in San Diego where they had their son, Richard. They divorced in 1978, but she continued to be a loving and supportive mother for her son. In 1998 she moved to Citrus County Florida to take care of her ailing mother and stayed to be near her younger brother, niece and newfound friends. She would later fight her own battle with cancer. She passed away on May 15, 2011 in Hernando, FL.
Sherri always strived for knowledge and understanding and looked for ways to improve the world. After working in San Diego as a medical assistant at Scripps Medical Center, she attended the National University Law School and subsequently passed the California Bar. She put her legal knowledge to use aiding friends where she could. While in Florida, she volunteered for Hospice, Save Our Waters and the American Cancer Society. She would later work as the Administrator at the Art Center of Citrus County where she was loved for her kindness and willingness to help others.
She is survived by her son, Richard Phipps; brother, Steve Kingery; niece, Amy Kingery; and a wonderful group of dedicated and loving friends. She is predeceased by her parents Aloma Wershing and Hubert "Bud" Kingery.
There will be a celebration of her life at a future time. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society. She will be missed by all that were fortunate enough to know her!
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
May 21, 2020
Friend
Sylvia Gawryd
miss You Sherri you left us way too soon RIP! Miss our friendship!
May 21, 2019
Friend
Sylvia Gawrys
Miss you Sherri! Hope you are resting in peace!
June 2, 2011
frank falabella
My good friend Laura Rhame. introduce me to Sherri. what a great person. the short time we spent together was great. We will all miss you. Frank F
June 1, 2011
Kitty Van Sickle
Sherri was ,and will forever be, an incredibly special woman. She was bright and loving, classy and lovely, strong yet open and vulnerable, deep but unpretentious. Though I knew her not long, I was blessed to call her my dear friend. I miss her, but know that her spirit and example will always grace my life. My deepest sympathy to her beloved family and friends.
June 1, 2011
Virginia Dooley
Sherri was truly kind and caring. When I asked for a bandaid, she had to put it on my finger. She was that type of person. She will be greatly missed and I send my heartfelt sympathies to her family.
May 31, 2011
Judy McBriar
Sherri was one of the most courageous, gracious people I've ever known. Her patience in adversity was an inspiration and lesson to me. During the year or so that I've known her, she was fighting for her health with great determination. It seemed like one challenge after another, and yet her focus remained on "the other" rather than herself. She was a gentle soul, a caring listener with a naturally sweet disposition. Keeping many things to herself so as not to burden another, and asking for very little, she was so grateful for any kindness.
I see her now free, unburdened, perfectly whole and healthy, enjoying her cosmic dance with her sisters, the other Angels.
Sherri's friend
Judy McBriar
May 30, 2011
Wendy Hall
I loved Sherri. She was always a class act and a very lovely person to know!
May 30, 2011
Mary Ann Hoyle
What a gift this sweet soul had for giving of herself. As we had discussed, when we see a pink sky, we will know she's smiling and sending us her love. She loved her family and was so proud of you all. I will always carry my sweet sister in my heart, for love is eternal.
May 30, 2011
Mary Ann Hoyle
May 29, 2011
Karin Gorman
Sherri was a very very special woman. She will truly be missed. Her constant smile was a gift to all she met. I pray for her safe journey. Karin
May 29, 2011
I will miss her giggle and her willingness to always go one step further to help.....I will miss her....Ann Christ
May 20, 2011
Staff of Wilder Funeral Home
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
May 28, 2011
WILL AMOS
Sherri will truley be missed, i met her walking her little white dog, in my neighborhood, always pleasant and friendly, was always a pleasure to see her smiling face... my deepest condolences to family and son Richard.....GOD BLESS WILL AMOS CITRUS SPRINGS,FL
May 28, 2011
Sylvia Gawrys
May 28, 2011
Susan Elaine Graves
My heartfelt sympathy for the loss of such a special person. Sherri was my cheerleader when I read poetry at the Woodview Coffee House. She encouraged me to write and publish my first book of Poetry and she purchased my first copy. I will always remember her for her kindness and sweetness.
May 28, 2011
Sylvia Gawrys
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
May 28, 2011
No words can express the loss of our friend Sherri.
Howard and Ginger Harrison
May 28, 2011
Jim Wellborn
I will miss her beyond my words to express. And yet I can feel her good naturedly challenging others to carry on and excel... make the world a kinder, more beautiful place.
May 27, 2011
Margot Konerding
My heartfelt condolences and deep sympathy for your loss in the untimely passing of one of the most wonderful people it has been our pleasure to have known. My heart is heavy with your pain ....
Margot and Fred Konerding, one-time neighbors in Citrus Ssprings
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