Sherry Phillips

In Loving Memory of Sherry Cole Phillips

It is with deep love and sadness that we announce the passing of Sherry Cole Phillips of Carmel, Indiana, on December 23, 2025, at the age of 77. She was a devoted wife, loving mother, adoring grandmother, cherished friend, and a woman whose heart and faith touched everyone she met.

Sherry leaves behind her devoted husband, David, of 56 years. She was the beloved mother and best friend to her two daughters, Marie (Zach) Cain and Bonnie Lynn Ehman; grandchildren, Julia Cain, Claire Cain, Jude Ehman, Witt Ehman and Bear Ehman. She is preceded in death by her parents, Philip “Pete” and Roselyn (Foxx) Cole.

A proud Jackson, Tennessee, native, Sherry graduated from Jackson High School in 1966, dazzling crowds as the Feature Twirler in the marching band and as First Runner-Up in the 1965 Miss Jackson Pageant, going on to marry her high school sweetheart, David, on July 26, 1969. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology from Lambuth College and specialized in Hematology. Her career took her from medical laboratories in Little Rock and Boston to a research scientist position at Roche Diagnostics in Indianapolis, but her true gift was the way she enriched the lives of those around her, in each city her family called home.

To all that knew her, Sherry was a source of sincere warmth, gentle wisdom and hospitality. She brought joy and laughter into every gathering, and made friends feel like family. She tended her beautiful gardens with care, delighted in walks on the beach collecting seashells, always looked forward to lunches with her neighborhood “sisters” and cherished quiet moments with her grandchildren. She embraced life’s adventures, traveling to the Caribbean, Europe, and across the U.S., always sharing her love, stories and playful spirit with those she cared for.

Above all else, Sherry was a woman who loved deeply and authentically. Sherry lived by the golden rule and embodied the love of Christ. Her life was a testament to purpose, grace, and a heart fully open to love. Sherry’s legacy is one of faith, devotion, unconditional love and Southern charm. She made everyone feel seen, valued, and cherished, and those who knew her will carry her spirit in their hearts forever.

Her funeral service will be held at Carmel United Methodist Church, Wednesday, January 7, 2026. Visitation 11am-1pm with Funeral Service immediately following. Graveside Service 3:30pm on Marie’s family farm at St. James Lutheran Cemetery (N 925 E, Darlington). Travel time from CUMC is approximately 50-60 minutes. Park along the road near the cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to one of these charitable organizations in honor of Sherry.

https://prevailinc.org/ – Women and children in crisis situations

https://www.mercifulhelpcenter.org/– Provides basic needs to disadvantaged Hamilton County residents