Sherrie K. Dillard

Sherrie K. Dillard, was born on December 1, 1959 and passed away on July 4, 2025. Her life was marked by faith, service, and a deep love for others. As an educator, Sherrie made a lasting impact. She began her career with TEIS at Emory Valley Learning Center and served the Cocke County Board of Education from 1982 to 2021. For nearly four decades, she taught students of all ages and abilities, including homebound and special needs learners. She also served as a county-wide vision instructor, a gifted-and-talented instructor, and a coordinator for the Cocke County Special Olympics, enriching the lives of thousands of students and families. Beyond her career, Sherrie was a devoted member of Alpha Delta Kappa’s Alpha Omicron Chapter for 27 years, where she embodied sisterhood and leadership as Chaplain. She shared her love of food and community through the Newport Plain Talk column, “Cocke County Cuisine,” and found strength and fellowship at Lincoln Avenue Baptist Church, where she faithfully attended in recent years following her recovery from COVID. Sherrie’s kindness extended to all of God’s creatures, especially the neighborhood cats she cared for. Though gentle in spirit, she had a wonderful sense of humor and found joy in family, friends, theater, and the beauty of nature. Her memory will be treasured by all who knew her, and her legacy of compassion and dedication will continue to inspire. She is survived by her siblings, Charles Michael Dillard, James Warren Dillard, and Elizabeth Ann Huskey (Dillard), along with her brother-in-law, Matthew Trava Huskey. She leaves behind a host of students, colleagues, friends, her Lincoln Avenue Baptist Church family, and her Alpha Omicron Sisters. Her life was a gift, and she will be deeply missed. Family and friends may sign the guest register online at: www.manesfuenralhome.com. Arrangements with Manes Funeral Home.

Sherrie K. Dillard

December 1, 1959 - July 4, 2025