MCHUGH (Reavis), Sherry

Sherry Carlisle Reavis McHugh, 71, died unexpectedly on June 5, 2024. She was born in Atlanta, on August 18, 1952, to Jewel Carlisle Reavis and Robert Logan Reavis.

After graduating from Dykes H.S. '70, Sherry attended Winthrop College and earned a degree in Recreation from Georgia Southern '74. She enjoyed a near 40 year career of leadership roles in Smyrna and Peachtree City Parks & Rec Departments. With her outgoing personality she worked across local government to achieve lasting community impact.

Sherry was married to Emory Lorenzo McHugh for 21 years until his early passing in 2017. Their Fayetteville, GA, home was filled with UGA memorabilia and "Life is Good" décor. Indeed it was. They enjoyed UGA football, golf, concerts, travel, their dogs and time at Lake Oconee and Ellijay. Sherry cherished staying connected with long-time friend groups (Nursery School Gang, GA Southern Roomies, Game Night Gals, and more), and she loved Christmas with her Carlisle cousins in Greenville, SC.

We are grateful to the staff at Holbrook of Decatur for their patient, personalized, and loving care for Sherry as she lived with rapid onset dementia for two years. Sherry remained an energetic community leader engaging everyday with the Holbrook staff and all who walked through the doors.

Cousins Robin and Beth also wish to thank friends and family for staying connected with cards, calls and visits. Special thanks to: Merilee, Vicki, Gaines, and Bruce, for being on the journey; Hilda and Doug for adopting Sherry's dogs; Pat and Glenn for frequent cookie visits; and Amy and the Congregational Care Ministry of Redeemer Lutheran for "bringing church" and friendship to Sherry.

She is survived by cousins: Eliza, Jane, Janet (Tom), Robin (Beth), David (Angie), Jimmy, Tom (Shannon), William (Patty); and extended McHugh family.

A Memorial Service and reception will be held Thursday, August 22, 2:00 PM, at Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, 731 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta, GA 30308. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the church or an animal rescue of your choice.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Atlanta Journal-Constitution from Jul. 21 to Aug. 4, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Sherry McHugh

9 Entries

Janis lavine

August 31, 2024

So sad to hear. I remember Sherry in my classes at Spring Street School. She had a strong sense of self early in life. My sincere condolences to her family

Melody Bell Gwinn

August 10, 2024

Sherry and i went to Camp Burgiss Glen in Cedar Mountain, NC together for years. We were campers and later kitchen aides. Needless to say, we got into a lot of crazy adventures together. We reconnected again in college at Ga. Southern and enjoyed being together again. I am so sorry to hear of her passing. She was a fun friend and will be missed.

Nina Madrid

Planted Trees

Nina Madrid

July 29, 2024

My first job when I moved to Georgia was working at the PTC Parks & Rec Summer Camp run by Sherry. My next job was with Fayette County where I met Emory and learned that he & Sherry were a couple. Enjoyed many picnic concerts at The Fred with both of them. We were the same age and since our birthdays were one week apart, we always made it a point to celebrate the "new" year together. Will always remember when I first learned of her competitive spirit. She invited me to join her in the 1997 PTC Classic 5K. We walked the course as neither of us were runners and as such we were one of the last ones to get to the end. I was caught off guard as the finish line came into view and Sherry suddenly shifted into high gear and rushed across the line. When I asked she explained that she did not want to finish last in our age bracket. That was Sherry. I miss my friend. I am glad for all the good times we shared and will never forget her.

Neighbor

July 23, 2024

My condolences for the McHugh family. Sorry for your loss. May the peace of God comfort you during this difficult time.

Craig Sowell

July 22, 2024

Saddened to hear of Sherry´s passing. She was a friend to all that came into contact with her. She made a difference in countless lives through her work in parks and recreation. She has already been missed. Thinking of all of you during this time. I was blessed to call her a friend.

Joey Cason

July 22, 2024

I was shocked today to get an email from Steve Card about Sherry's passing. What a classy DGD fan. We served on the Leisure Careers Foundation Board for several years. She truly worked hard to make life better for so many. She cared about helping young professionals grow. Sherry and Emory would play golf with my Dad, County Manager in Douglas County, from time to time. Sherry was a leader and a great person. She will be missed by many.

Dedra Mobley

July 22, 2024

My deepest condolences to the family. I loved having Sherry as a close friend. She brought sunshine whenever she entered the room. Forever missed but never forgotten

Quinn Bledsoe

July 21, 2024

Sorry to the family for your loss. Sherry was a good friend and loved life. I miss her.

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