Thelma Sherrod

Celebrating a Life Well Lived 

Thelma Delores Sherrod was born on September 22, 1932, in Sanford, Florida, to Ruby Fielder Washington and James Washington, Sr. She was the fourth of their children, and from the very beginning, her life reflected the strength, resilience, and love that would define her remarkable journey. 

She attended Crooms Academy in Sanford, Florida, and later Everglades Vocational School (affectionately known as EVH) in Belle Glade, Florida. Although she lost her parents at an early age, they instilled in her a strong sense of self, family, community, and faith before their passing. Through their spiritual guidance, Thelma accepted Christ as her Savior at the age of ten. From childhood through young adulthood, Thelma, along with two of her younger siblings (Ruby and Ora), was lovingly raised by her Uncle Russell and Aunt Theresa Fielder in Belle Glade, Florida. Their care, guidance, and unwavering support helped shape the remarkable woman she would become. 

In 1949, Thelma married Felix Sherrod, a handsome Marine and the love of her life. Their union was blessed with nine children, whom they raised with unwavering love, faith, and devotion. She ensured that each child received a quality education, was firmly grounded in the Christian faith, and understood the importance of serving their community with integrity, compassion, and purpose. Like many African American families seeking greater opportunities, Thelma and Felix joined the Great Migration north and settled in Buffalo, New York, where they raised their growing family. It was there that she established herself as a steadfast advocate for education, civic engagement, and community service. 

For Thelma, education was paramount. She was a dedicated Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) volunteer who tirelessly supported her children's academic success and encouraged them to persevere in their scholastic pursuits. Her own life reflected that same spirit of excellence and service. During the 1960s, Thelma became the first African American Avon sales representative in Buffalo, New York. She also served as a Cub Scout Den Mother, a respected union representative for the Trico Workers Union Independent, the United Auto Workers (UAW) Local 2100, and the AFL-CIO of Buffalo and Greater Western New York. Alongside Felix, she attended UAW meetings and was a certified election poll watcher. Yet, her faith remained the cornerstone of her life. At Mt. Ararat Baptist Church in Buffalo, she served faithfully as a leader of the Willing Workers Ministry, always seeking opportunities to uplift others through ministry and service. 

Known affectionately by many as "Sherrod," Thelma was also a beloved figure in Buffalo's historic African American bowling community through the Marian Anderson League – that provided Black women with opportunities for fellowship and competition during an era when segregation excluded them from many mainstream leagues and bowling establishments. In the late 1980’s, she added yet another accomplishment by becoming a licensed real estate agent. 

In 1997, after decades of building a life in Buffalo, Thelma and Felix returned to their Florida roots and settled in Ocala, Felix's birthplace, located just sixty miles from Thelma's hometown of Sanford. Retirement was never a season of slowing down for Mama Thelma; it simply marked the beginning of another chapter of service. Together, she and Felix became trained volunteers with the Marion County Sheriff's Office Neighborhood Watch, helping strengthen and safeguard their community. 

She faithfully joined New Covenant Baptist Church, where she served tirelessly as a devoted Deaconess. Her passion for serving others inspired her to help establish community outreach ministries, including the church's Free Market, ensuring that families in need were met with both compassion and dignity. 

Her servant's heart extended beyond the church walls. She volunteered as a mentor in Marion County Public Schools' after-school programs, encouraging and inspiring young people to reach their fullest potential. In 2000, she proudly served as a United States Census worker. Her assigned territory included the Ocala National Forest, where her infectious smile, warm spirit, and remarkable ability to connect with people earned her countless new friends in the most unexpected places. To balance her lifelong commitment to service and hard work, Mama Thelma embraced opportunities for fellowship, travel, and creating lasting memories with those she loved. She was a proud member of the Ocala chapter of The Red Hat Society. She and Felix also shared a love for travel, embarking on memorable road trips that "circled" the United States as they visited their children, grandchildren, relatives, and dear friends near and far. For Thelma, every journey was another opportunity to strengthen family bonds, reconnect with loved ones, and create cherished memories that would last a lifetime. 

Thelma transformed her home in Silver Springs Shores into a haven of love and hospitality, affectionately known by family and friends as "The Sherrod Ponderosa." Its doors were always open, the table was always full, and everyone who entered was welcomed with delicious food, laughter, and genuine love. Her radiant smile brightened every room, and her kind heart made everyone feel they belonged. Family was the center of her world. Friends became family, and strangers rarely remained strangers for long in Thelma's presence. 

A true Floridian, she delighted in the beauty of the ocean, fresh fish, Florida oranges, grapefruit, and sweet mangoes. Her love for the legacy of Florida A&M University earned her the affectionate title of an honorary "Rattler." 

As Felix's health declined, Thelma lovingly redirected her time and energy toward caring for the man who had faithfully walked beside her throughout their marriage. She embraced the role of caregiver with extraordinary grace, patience, and unwavering devotion, surrounding him with dignity, comfort, and unconditional love. It was yet another reflection of the selfless compassion that defined her life—a life wholly devoted to faith, family, and service. 

On a more personal note, Mama Thelma amassed an impressive collection of ceramic teapots, elegant dinnerware, and hats of every style. As the beloved family matriarch, she was known for saying, "Let me see what I'm going to let you do," and her signature expression of affection, "I love you more." 

She masterfully balanced the responsibilities of raising nine children, working full-time, and standing faithfully beside her husband of sixty-two years with dignity, grace, and unwavering commitment. Her patience, gentleness, and forbearance were especially evident during the final years of Felix's life as she cared for him with extraordinary tenderness. 

Her kindness and generosity touched everyone she encountered. Her steadfast faith in God never wavered, even as she endured the unimaginable heartbreak of losing four of her children. Through every season of joy and sorrow, Mama Thelma remained a source of strength, wisdom, comfort, and unconditional love. She was a blessing and a refuge to countless family members, friends, neighbors, and all who were fortunate enough to know her. 

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Felix E. Sherrod; her brothers, Willie James Washington, Shelly Washington, and Booker T. Washington; her sisters, Lelia Luvenia Washington Pardner, Ora Washington, and Ruby Rutledge; four children, Felix L. Sherrod, Gilda L. Sherrod-Ali, Esquire, Kenneth L. Sherrod, and Helen R. Sherrod Bibb; her grandson, William F. Mullin; her daughter-in-law, Brenda Merritt Sherrod; and her sons-in-law, Imani Ali and Sherwood Mullin. 

She leaves to cherish her memory her daughters, Merian Sherrod, Dr. Gaynell Sherrod, Ed.D., Brenda Mullin, and Wanda Sherrod; her son, Vincent Sherrod (Sydorna); her sister, Emporia Pollard (Joseph); along with 17 grandchildren, 34 great-grandchildren, and 7 great-great-grandchildren, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends whose lives were forever enriched by her love. 

Mama Thelma's life was a rich tapestry woven with faith, resilience, compassion, and unwavering devotion. She was a woman of God, a prayer warrior, devoted wife, loving mother, cherished grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, aunt, sister, mother-in-law, mentor, and treasured friend. Her heart was vast enough to embrace everyone she encountered, offering structured love, godly wisdom, and a comforting shoulder upon which so many leaned. 

Her legacy is not measured simply by the years she lived, but by the countless lives she touched, the family she nurtured, the communities she strengthened, and the enduring faith she so beautifully exemplified. 

Well done, good and faithful servant. 

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