Sherry J. Corcoran

Sherry Jo Corcoran, 68, of Galesburg, Illinois, passed away peacefully at 6:20 a.m. Sunday, February 1, 2026, at OSF St. Mary Medical Center in Galesburg.

Sherry was born March 2, 1957, in Macomb, Illinois, the daughter of Donald Eugene and Shirley Ann (Flynn) Keithley. She graduated from Carl Sandburg College of Nursing and devoted her life to caring for others through a long and meaningful career as a licensed practical nurse. For the last 26 years, she served the residents of Rosewood Care Center of Galesburg with compassion, dedication, and kindness.

Sherry married Jonnie R. Ulm on January 12, 1974. She later married Charles A. “Tony” Branham on October 31, 1991; he preceded her in death on December 3, 2008. On July 24, 2010, she married Robert E. Corcoran in Galesburg, and he survives.

Also surviving are her three sons, Damion (Rachel Altman) Ulm of Avon, Illinois, Matthew Branham of Bloomington, Illinois, and Josh Corcoran of Galesburg; six grandchildren, Madilynn Ulm, Kylie Morey, Adriana Branham, Gabriel Corcoran, Ava Corcoran, and Josh Corcoran Jr.; and three great-grandchildren, Wyatt Morey, Luna Sutton, and Jesse Graham. She is further survived by one sister, Tammy Lien of Chewelah, Washington; two brothers, Steven (Connie) Keithley of Fairview, Illinois, and Michael (Tricia) Keithley of St. David, Illinois; and many extended family members and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Tony, and her sister, Julie Masterson.

Sherry was a woman of many talents and gentle spirit. She found joy in tending her beautiful flower gardens, crafting, painting, and writing poetry. She was an avid Chicago Bears and Cubs fan and had a special love for dogs, especially her beloved Lucy Jo. Above all, Sherry cherished time spent with her family. She will be remembered for her warmth, kindness, and the quiet strength with which she cared for everyone around her.

Cremation will be accorded and arrangements have been entrusted to Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. A celebration of life will be announced at a later date. Online expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.watsonthomas.com.

Sherry loved animals and proudly sponsored a kennel at the Knox County Humane Society in Galesburg. In her memory, donations may be made to the shelter, and we ask that you please leave a comment saying, "In memory of Sherry Corcoran." Donations can be made here:Knox County Humane Society.