Sherri Antoinette Guidry Coulibaly

"But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of
fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience,
kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness,
and self-control. There is no law against
these things!"
Galatians 5:22-23(NLT)
Sherri Antoinette Guidry Coulibaly - lived her life with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, relentless faith, gentleness and self-control. Sherri loved unconditionally and gave the best of herself to so many. Sherri forgave easily and was not selfish. Her kindness, hard work, and commitment could be seen throughout her life, from volunteering in organization which she was a member of to her newly found political interest. She believed in keeping the peace and often reminded us of God's word, especially in difficult times.
Sherri's story began on October 13, 1962, in St. Joseph, Michigan. She was born to Ezekiel Jr. & Icie Mae Guidry, the seventh of eight children. She was a mommy's and daddy's girl. Sherri was admired and loved by all her siblings. She is also preceded in death by her father, Ezekiel Guidry Jr., grandparents, Ezekiel and Fannie Guidry Sr., Pearline Harris, and Johnnie Harris. She will have a reunion in Heaven with her brothers, Keith Ricardo, Kirk Anthony, and Dennis Darnell (October 5, 2024) that preceded her in death.
It was at an early age that Sherri began her spiritual journey. She accepted Christ at New Bethel Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Reverend M. H. Raspberry and Milton McAfee. She attended Sunday school and Bible study and sang in the beginner's choir. This early upbringing paved the way for the rest of her journey with the Lord. She later joined Queen Esther Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Samuel Greer Jr., and later joined First United Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Lenzy Bell. In 2016, Sherri reunited with Queen Esther Missionary Baptist Church. She served as a Sunday School teacher, youth group leader, and drill team leader; she attended bible study and participated in cancer walks, taking pictures. Sherri loved her church and the family she gained.
Sherri's faith and love was her driving force. She loved deeply, and her daughter, Alexsandria, was one of her greatest gifts. She loved Alex as only a mother's love can do. As a single mother, Sherri leaned on family and friends to help raise her daughter. But God desired that Sherri have a soulmate, and in 2016 she married Idrissa Coulibaly. Sherri and Idriss met in the 1980's at Western Michigan University, but there were no sparks from Sherri. It wasn't until 2015, at a funeral at Queen Esther Missionary Baptist Church, that they would meet again, and the rest is history. The fact that Sherri was fighting breast cancer didn't turn Idriss away, and on April 30, 2016, they married and became one. Sherri gained two bonus sons, Adam and Andrew, who blended their families. Together, they faced life as a team. Their love was based on a commitment of faith, hope, and deep devotion.
Throughout her life, Sherri remained devoted to her family, friends and community. She was a caregiver to her father and, after his passing, then to her mother. Sherri was the kind of person who would make you feel like you belonged, whether family or not. She extended her love beyond her husband, daughter, and grandson. It extended to her bonus sons, nieces, nephews, and God daughter.
Education was another important quality of Sherri's life. She was a product of Benton Harbor Public Schools. She was a proud Tiger, class of 1980. She was a member of the mighty Tiger marching band. Sherri decided that she was not going to college, she was staying home with mom and dad. She decided instead to try ROTC, but when she passed out carrying the flag at graduation, she knew college was a better option. Sherri attended Western Michigan University, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree and a Master's Degree in Social Work. During her time at Western Michigan University, she studied abroad in England. Sherri had a 30-year career with the State of Michigan as a Child Protective worker and supervisor, retiring in 2019.
Sherri's life was filled with adventures, always looking for new ways to enjoy life. She celebrated ten years cancer-free in March 2024. See more of Sherri's cancer journey at madl.org (Humans of Muskegon Archive). Her sister, Iris Guidry (AKA Ms. Gee), launched Comedy For A Cause in 2014 to celebrate Sherri and other cancer survivors. Sherri loved to travel and recently traveled to Italy, Greece, North Carolina, and the Ivory Coast in West Africa. Sherri loved shopping, reading, and taking photographs of herself, weddings, and of others. She was also very creative; if there was a party or shower, you could depend on Sherri to bring the games and have fun. Sherri was a proud descendant of Hiram Rhodes Revels, the first African American Senator. Sherri also loved volunteering and helping others. She volunteered for Hospice of Michigan in Muskegon and with the Democratic party. Sherri became a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc®, Iota Iota Omega chapter, "The Timeless Pearls," on September 22, 2013. She was a dedicated member, serving as parliamentarian. One of her biggest adventures was her work as a member of Muskegon NAACP, serving as second vice president. She was a champion for the organization and devoted to the cause.
On Thursday, October 3, 2024, Sherri Antoinette Guidry Coulibaly, after a brief illness, took her final journey home, surrounded by her husband, daughter, sisters, and friends. She fought a good fight, but God needed her more. Sherri lived, loved, and laughed, leaving behind her spirit to continue moving through all the lives she touched. She leaves her husband, Idrissa Coulibaly, her daughter, Alexsandria Guidry-Burse, and sons, Adam and Andrew Coulibaly. She also leaves her mother, Icie Mae Guidry, sisters, Iris D. Guidry and Cassandra Guidry-Benion (Edward), and brothers, Garyl Guidry Sr. (Katrina) and Michael Guidry Sr. (Makesha). Her sisters-in-love, Shebra Young-Guidry and Deborah Young. Sherri leaves her grandchildren, Nehemiah Pulphus, Ca'Laya, and A'zari Coulibaly. Her Goddaughter, Jacquetta Grisham, and sister-friends, Jackie Marion, Lenecia Frazier, Sharon Warren, Donna Pollins, Daphne Herndon, Amber Johnson, Tiffany Newson, Ella Harrington, Sandra Barrett, Yvette Rone, and Della Anderson. Sherri also leaves her aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, God sisters and God brothers, and other family and friends to carry on her spirit.