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.