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Sherri Etta McCullough

11/4/1943 - 4/21/2025

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Obituary For Sherri Etta McCullough

Sherri Etta McCullough, 81, of Newsoms, VA, passed away on April 21, 2025. Born on November 4, 1943, in Cincinnati, OH, Sherri had a colorful, though at times challenging, life—especially for a woman born in the 1940s to a mother who didn’t want her, then moved from one home to another, and tasked throughout her adolescence with helping to raise her numerous younger stepbrothers. A tumultuous and burdensome childhood taught her the grit and resilience that she would employ for the rest of her life.

A self-described tomboy, she was the only girl in a group of street-racing high school students. Behind the wheel of her Dodge Charger 440 R/T named “Julie,” she never lost a game of chicken to “them boys.” Recalling the excitement of racing, she’d say, “When that light turned green, honey, I mean, damn — it was like somebody shot you through a cannon.” She would reflect later in life on how dangerous and careless it was, yet with a proud grin on her face. She had a lifelong love of cars and would affectionately name each one she owned. She loved music too, regularly blasting her “oldies but goodies” while flying down the highway. She received many a speeding ticket, well into her old age.

A nightclub singer and Go-go dancer, bookkeeper, apartment manager, co-owner of a family restaurant, library assistant, and home-health aide—these are just a few of the jobs Sherri held throughout her life. Although she didn't climb a career ladder in one particular field, she worked any job she could to do her best to provide for and raise her two children. She prided herself on not being lazy or too good for any job, relishing hard work. Twice divorced and with enough familial strife and estrangement for several lifetimes—of which she was not blameless—she never lost her optimism and quirky sense of humor.

Even more than cars and music, she loved animals. Her later life was spent adoring her dogs Roadie, Ista, Bella, Baxter, and Peppe—of which several were senior rescues—and far too many cats to name. Over the years, she worked to get spayed, neutered, and find homes for as many stray cats as she could get her hands on around the neighborhood. She also frequently donated blankets, food, harnesses and leashes—whatever she could manage—to local animal shelters and rescues. Humans were not spared her generosity either. She would often, unsolicited, pick up items from thrift stores and sales for people she knew around town if she thought they could get some joy out of them.

Like her mother, she was far from the perfect parent herself. Trauma has a way of propagating through generations. But ultimately, she still was a loving mother and doting grandmother. Her voice—boy, did she love to talk, you could still hear her long after the conversation had ended—her endearing lack of any filter whatsoever and, most of all, her laugh and humor will all be deeply missed.

Sherri is survived by her son, Christopher E. McCullough; daughter, Roberta S. Gibson; grandson, Bruce S. Barmer; and her beloved "fur-babies": dog, Peppe, and cats, Foxxy and Mama P.

In lieu of a memorial service, the family requests donations be made to the Humane Society, PETA, or a local animal shelter or charity of your choice.

Finally, in her own words, “I feel like I've had a good life. Most, I guess, 95 percent or something. I honestly feel like I had a good life. I've got to do so many things. And some of them I loved.”

Simply Cremation has assisted the family with her arrangements. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories and express their condolences online at SimplyCremationOnline.com.

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  • 06/04/2025

    Amber Doering

    Sometimes you come across a kind soul at the grocery store, exchange a few words about life and family, and then be on your way. However, for me it was at my local library in Franklin, VA with what began with me showing up late with 3 young children in toe (and being VERY pregnant with my 4th) to watch an old country western movie where they were the ONLY kids in the room led me to being checked in at the sign in station by a beautiful older woman with the best smile and honestly we were kindred spirits at the first! Sherri is the most hilarious, most honest, most adventurous, most fun loving, and has the biggest heart for children and animals alike. That day, 17 years ago, was the beginning of not only a beautiful friendship, but she also became an adopted grandmother to my now 8 amazing kiddos ages 7-22. She was always looking for and buying little items to make them feel special and loved. She called often to see how everyone was doing...and even when she felt sick she still checked in to see how everyone was doing. Although many may think she was "older" in body....they must not have known Sherri very well! She was young in spirit...full of stories, pure honest feedback, and love that knew no bounds! Even when she was not feeling well, I just knew she would bounce back...I knew if anyone could, it would be her! She had made it through so much before...so when I received the news of her passing I was utterly shocked because in my heart I knew this just couldn't be possible! She was a fighter to the very end I am sure. But her heart stayed as young and fun loving as a 17 year old in my opinion till her last breath! I will forever miss our long talks at my house drinking sweet iced tea. To hear her say things that only she could get away with always made me laugh to no end! When I rode with her in the car to go shopping or for her doctor's visit, boy did I buckle up! Her need for speed was insatiable, and she had no time for dilly dallying around with all these folks who "didn't know how to drive" or "should never be on the road in the first place". She didn't mind wailing that horn long and loud either! Oh my stars...everything about her was big....big personality, big smile, big laugh, and the biggest most loving heart a person could ever have. I have a few of her shirts and sweatpants that she lovingly passed on to me...I am wearing a pair right now...surprisingly they aren't red....she loved red, and she looked beautiful in red as well! She wasn't afraid to say what was on her mind, to go the extra mile for another person in need, or to just take the time to get to know the staff that she shopped frequently at knowing people by name, knowing their story, always trying to match make this person or that person if she knew they were single. She made everyone feel at ease, and was a friend to everyone and anyone who crossed her path, She grew up in a harsh environment but she made it a point to help the world around her feel more loved and appreciated! The world is a better place because she lived in it and so thankful God gave her so many years here on earth and blessed to call her a friend. I am so thankful that right now she is in heaven with no aches or pains most likely enjoying shooting the breeze with so many who went before her. I can imagine she has a cat or two (maybe 10) and a few dogs to boot! If heaven is perfect...then I know God made a mansion full of animals (including a few horses) for my dear precious friend Sherri. I will forever miss her and look forward to the day when we will see each other again! Oh what a day that will be!

  • 05/01/2025

    Debra Eisner

    I remember first seeing Sherri in Tuscora (Winton, NC). I knew she was an older lady but she sported wearing a bikini like she was a teenager. I thought how awesome to see someone her age with so much confidence. Later I met her daughter in Cosmology. Through the years I would run into her at Walmart and speak about her animals. She was a different personality. Hugs and prayers to my friend Berta, her grandson Bruce and son Christopher. Until we all meet again, rest easy.

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