Sherry L. Wilson

Sherry Wilson was a beautiful person to know and to love. Known for her genuine and good-natured personality, she treated each and every person she met with kindness. She lived a driven life and held a strong passion for her family. There is no doubt Sherry will be dearly missed by her special friends and loved ones.

Her story began in 1945. WWII was nearing its final months, the UN was formed, and Harry S. Truman was appointed as the president. Merinus Hitsman and Lois Hardy welcomed their oldest daughter, Sherry Leone, into their home on November 10th in Muskegon, Michigan. Sherry’s birth was a sign of hope and promise during a unique time in our nation’s history.

Growing up just a short drive from the beautiful shoreline of Lake Michigan, Sherry lived a typical childhood of the times. Followed by eleven siblings, there was never a dull moment in the family home. Sherry attended the local school of Orchard View, yet left before graduation. Determined to excel, she went back in the seventies to complete her education at Northview High School and graduated with honors. During these same years, Sherry married and raised three wonderful children; Rhonnda, Charles Jr. “Chuck” and Tony.

As a family, they spent their summers at a seasonal site at Croton Township Park. The kids made many lasting memories running around and playing outside all day! These memories were the foundation for her children’s lives. Sherry was always fair in settling their conflicts, but didn’t put up with nonsense! She was straightforward and her kids always knew where she stood! Sherry was immensely proud of her family and enjoyed celebrating their milestones and countless successes over the years. She instilled in them the value of hard work and staying connected to their siblings. They never doubted her love for them. She also loved being a mom to her fur babies, Abbie and Kelly.

A wonderful role model, Sherry leaned on her many interests during challenging times. She enjoyed the music of the 50s and 60s, especially Bobby Darin, Elvis, and Gene Pitney. Sherry loved trying new things and trying new restaurants. She and her sisters, Jenny and Carol loved going out to eat or enjoying a Thursday night Fish Fry. Her favorite meal was a Taco Boy burrito! When it came to home-cooked meals, Sherry loved whipping up a batch of her homemade goulash, Spanish rice, or meatballs! A wonderful baker, she also had perfected her banana bread recipe over the years that her family always requested! Chocolate was her favorite treat, she had it each and every day and in her world, there was never enough. This included her love for chocolate or double chocolate ice cream. For relaxation, she enjoyed catching up on her favorite NCIS shows. Normally, she had them figured out long before the show ended.

She never turned down an opportunity to go for a drive Yet, her connection with her family mattered the most to her. Even in her later years, she loved calling her grandkids on their birthday. Much to her chagrin, she upgraded to a smart cell phone even if she didn’t know how to use all of its gadgets! Once she learned how to use the talk-to-text function, she enjoyed leaving long text messages and checking in with her family. They enjoyed hearing from her and learning what she was doing. Sherry had a real knack for building close relationships, especially with those who were close to her.

Sherry’s loving presence will be deeply missed. She was blessed with living a life of simple pleasures. It was evident to all who knew her that she enjoyed spending time with her family. Sadly, she is gone, yet leaves behind a rich collection of memories. May her beautiful memories remain in the hearts of her friends and loved ones forevermore.

WILSON (Hardy) – Sherry L. Wilson, age 77, of Grand Rapids, passed away on September 24, 2023. She was preceded in death by her parents, Merinus and Lois Hitsman. Sherry is survived by her children; Rhonnda (Kevin) Madden, Charles (Kandee) Wilson Jr., and Tony (Sheila) Wilson; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; siblings, Jane (Frank) Campione, Carol Korson, Jenny Van Hemert, Rex (Darlene) Hitsman, Lynn (Robert) Morgan, Kevin (Terri) Hitsman, Dale Hitsman, Daniel (Katrina) Hitsman, Joan (Bryan Hill) Wheeler, Ricky (Cyndi) Hitsman and Gary (Christy) Hitsman. Also surviving are many nieces and nephews and her dear friend, Virginia Cole. Cremation has taken place and a memorial visitation will be held from 1-4 PM on Saturday, September 30, 2023, at Alpine Meadows Community Club House, 3800 Fruit Ridge Ave NW. Please visit www.heritagelifestory.com to submit a favorite memory or photo or to sign the guestbook.