Sheryl "Sherry" Elaine Martin

Sherry Martin, 68, formerly of Unionville, MO, passed away at the University of Missouri Hospital in Columbia, MO, on Friday, September 20, 2019.

Sheryl “Sherry” Elaine (Parsons) Martin was born in Unionville, MO, on July 22, 1951, the daughter of Eldon and Doris (Crouse) Parsons, who preceded her in death. She was reared in Lemons, MO, helping her parents in their grocery store and attending square dances at the Lemons Legion Hall. She sang at weddings and funerals while in High School and graduated from Unionville High School in 1969. Sherri attended cosmetology school in Kirksville, MO, after graduation. She married Mickey Martin at the Lemons Baptist Church on September 10, 1972, and he survives in Newton, IA.

Sherry moved to Iowa in 1974 and did office work at an insurance company, at Jones Dairy and at a heating and cooling company. She then owned and operated an in-home day care from 1980 until 1996 when she started college at Indian Hills Community College in Centerville, IA, and then transferred to Graceland University in Lamoni, IA, graduating in 2000 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work. She then provided in-home parent coaching with FADDS in Wayne, Lucas, and Decatur counties in Iowa. She also worked at Westview Acres Nursing Home in Leon, IA, before taking medical retirement. She moved back to Unionville, MO, in 2015 and then moved to a care facility in Sullivan, MO, in July of 2019.

Sherry had a fun-loving and outgoing personality. She loved to play the piano and sing. She also liked to cook and play cards, especially Rook and Pitch. She followed the Kansas City Chiefs and St. Louis Cardinals, often calling her family when the Cards scored six runs so they could get 50-cent drinks at the convenience store. Sherry’s greatest joy was her family, especially her nine grandchildren, who became the light of her life.

You left this earth so early for reasons we don’t know. God has a plan for you and that’s what matters. You will always live in our hearts and we’ll never forget the memories. You taught us how to be strong because you were strong. After everything you’ve been through over the years, you have earned your wings. God prepared a beautiful room for you in heaven, where you can do the things you love. You lived disabled for 16 years and now you’re able to walk again. You’re no longer in pain, and no longer suffering. We will love you forever and see you again someday. I love you and miss you Mama. I will be sure to share all memories with the kids – Your son, John.

In addition to her husband, Sherry is survived by her four children, Beth (David) Gaines, St. James, MO; Tina (Dusty) Slaughter, Waukee, IA; John (Stephanie) Martin, Lineville, MO; and Doug Martin, Urbandale, IA. Also surviving are her nine grandchildren, Natalie Gaines, Lucas Gaines, Shona-Grace Gaines, Shelby Slaughter, Kaeden Slaughter, Mason Snow, Kathryn Martin, Meredith Martin, and Hayden Boyd.

Sherry was also preceded in death by her brother, Steve Parsons.

Memorial services for Sherry Martin will be at Playle and Collins Family Funeral Home in Unionville, MO, at 11:00 am on Thursday, September 26, 2019, with visitation one hour prior to the service.