Obituary of Sherry Ann Graves

Sherry Ann Moser Graves, Age 64, of Sterling, Alaska, formerly of Sterling, Virginia, passed away on October 18, 2011 at Duke University Hospital in Durham, North Carolina, while undergoing treatment for Myelodysplastic Syndrome. She is survived by her husband of 43 years, Michael Graves; their four grown children, Michael II (Sandi), Tiffany (Bill) Lippy, Katie (Brian) Ailstock and Adam, all of whom were by her side at the time of her death. Sherry attended the University of Evansville until her marriage in 1968, and later completed her undergraduate and graduate studies at Arkansas State University. She spent many years shaping the minds, hearts and character of children as an elementary/special education school teacher. As a military spouse, Sherry moved with her family around the country and the world, and enjoyed opportunities to teach in schools while living in Arkansas, California, Alabama, the Dominican Republic, and eventually retired from the Fairfax County Public School system in Virginia. Sherry's professional impact was evidenced by her repeated recognition as "Teacher of the Year," accreditation as a National Board Certified Teacher, and success as a trained mediator. Former students have taken time to re-connect with Sherry, as adults, and it made her very happy to see how her students had blossomed. Sherry's teaching transcended the classroom as she touched the hearts and lives of countless individuals with her motherly wisdom and caring. Sherry spent a lot of her spare time crocheting heirloom-quality blankets for friends and family to celebrate life events. She was also renowned for her delicious sour cream coffee cakes, which she baked and sold across the country for a number of years, and later offered as gifts to family and friends. Sherry was always thinking of others, wanting to help in some way to make sure everyone would be happy. A devoted wife and mother, Sherry also embraced her role as "Mimi" to seven grandchildren - Layne, Elizabeth, Emily, Kaley, Casey, Logan and Hadly. She loved traveling across the country with her husband in their RV, spending quality time visiting family and friends while taking in the adventures of life on the road. Sherry was an extraordinary woman, a beloved wife, mother and grandmother, who will be missed greatly by all who knew and loved her. She will be remembered for her warmth, sincerity, unconditional love, inquisitive and creative mind, sense of humor and unrelenting patriotism for our great nation. The Graves family takes great comfort in knowing that Sherry is in Heaven for eternity, no longer in pain.