Sherry Crook Smith

With heavy hearts yet profound gratitude for a life well-lived, we announce the passing of Sherry Crook Smith, who departed this world on March 21, 2026, after a long and courageous battle with frontotemporal dementia. Sherry was born on January 19, 1940, in Jackson, Mississippi, to Camille and Wallace Crook. She embraced 86 years of life with grace, love, and an unwavering spirit. Sherry’s journey was marked by her deep dedication to family, faith, and education. After graduating from Wilson High School in 1956, she pursued her passion for learning at the University of Mississippi, affectionately known as 'Ole Miss, where she earned a bachelor's degree in 1960. Her career as a beloved second and third-grade teacher spanned Houston, Texas, and Southern California, where she nurtured the minds and hearts of countless young students. In 1962, Sherry married the love of her life, Lee Mark Smith, in a beautiful ceremony in Long Beach, California. Together, they shared 49 wonderful years of marriage, raising two cherished daughters, Sherolyn Duckworth (Mike) and Robin Westmoreland. Sherry and Lee built a home filled with warmth, love, and laughter, a legacy that lives on in their children and grandchildren. A long-time and active member of the Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church, Sherry served her community with devotion as an elder and a deacon. Her love for music found expression as she sang in the church choir and played the handbells during special services. Her faith was a cornerstone of her life, guiding her actions and inspiring those around her. Sherry was also an avid gardener who found joy and serenity in the beauty of nature. She and Lee traveled the world together, collecting memories and stories that they shared with family and friends upon their return. Her brother, Buck Crook, and his wife, Janet, as well as her beloved granddaughters, Madison and Jessica Duckworth, nephews Ryan and AJ Crook, continue to cherish these memories. Preceded in death by her parents, Camille and Wallace, and her dear husband Lee, Sherry leaves behind a loving family who will carry forward her legacy of kindness, strength, and perseverance. A service celebrating Sherry’s life will be held at the Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church, located at 11600 Los Alamitos Blvd, Los Alamitos, CA 90720. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration in Sherry's memory. Contributions can be made through their website at https://www.theaftd.org/?campaign=488718. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the incredible caregivers at Keen Home Long Beach and the compassionate staff of Ziba Hospice for their exceptional care and support during Sherry’s final journey. Though our hearts are heavy with loss, we find solace in the memories of Sherry’s laughter, her nurturing spirit, and her unwavering love. She leaves behind a tapestry of cherished moments and life lessons that will forever enrich the lives she touched.