Obituary published on Legacy.com by Reflection Cremation & Funeral Service - Tifton on Feb. 4, 2026.
I am writing to honor the memory of my wife, Sheryl Ann Aronoff (Sauter), and to share the story of our life. Sheri and I met on March 20, 1979, and were married on July 13 of that same year. Over our 48 years of marriage, we were blessed with two daughters, Jessica Ruth and DeeAnna Lynn, and later renewed our vows in 1994. Our journey took us from Florida to Indiana, Pennsylvania, and finally
Valdosta, Georgia. Throughout these years, Sheri achieved professional success as a Registered Medical Assistant, Licensed X-ray Technician, and became a minister in Miami, Florida. We shared many cherished memories, with some of her favorites being vacations; Captiva and Sanibel Islands with just her and me, to time spent with our daughters and grandchildren at Mystic Dunes, our family favorite. Despite facing significant health challenges, including several strokes beginning in 2018, Sheri remained resilient. She passed away peacefully first thing in the morning on January 30, 2026. I was grateful to be by her side during her final moments as we spoke of her faith and her journey to be with Jesus. I will forever cherish the life we built together.
Our daughter DeeAnna describes her as quiet in nature but fierce in her soul. A woman of faith and few words, but the value brought by them was so immense. My mom was loyal, loving, kind, prayerful, and present. She was moving through life gracefully with character, no matter what life threw at her. "The quiet storm." We are going to love and miss her talking eyes and warm smiles.
Her granddaughter Jada reflects on her as a "quiet Leo (the lioness)" who modeled patience, resilience, and grace. She taught me that it was okay to be soft spoken as long as I know when to speak up accordingly. Grandma was resilient and humorous til the very end, and I'll always admire her for that. I'm so honored to have been able to grow up with her so near and always in the mix. I love you grandma! I will always carry your memory and ways within me. Thanks for being you and blessing us with your precious love!
Her younger sister Lori, I cherish the photos of us as little girls doing the twist with my dad. She also had Barbie and Ken dolls that she never played with, but she always let me play with them. I remember her in a brown velvet gown for a formal; as her younger sister, I thought she was the most beautiful girl in the world. Sheri was in my wedding, and she asked me to be her matron of honor in hers. Her wedding date was actually my due date for Heather (my oldest daughter). She told me she didn't care if I was "one huge Mama" or if I might miss it-she just wanted me there. I was able to stand by her side, and I didn't deliver until Sheri's birthday on the 25th. As we said our goodbyes, I am reminded of the Proverbs 31 woman. The verse, "The heart of her husband does safely trust in her," truly describes her. While she wasn't a morning person growing up, "She riseth also, while it is yet night" fit her adult years perfectly. She often mentioned being up early to wake Craig and the girls; she did what she had to do. She was a hard-working woman who worked outside the home for much of her life. Hearing her daughter speak of her quiet strength and seeing her grandchildren, I know they "arise up, and call her blessed." Sheri, I think of Psalm 100 as I say goodbye: "Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing. Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise." You sang beautifully here on earth, and now you are singing in glory.
Sheri lived a full and fruitful life as a devoted wife, mother, mother-in-law, and grandmother. Sheryl "Sheri" Aronoff was survived by her husband and soulmate of 48 years, Craig Aronoff. Her daughters Jessica and DeeAnna. Son in love, Joseph Richardson (Preceded William "Wise "Chambers). Preceded by her parents, Alice and Walter Sauter, and her youngest sister, Judy Miller. Survived by her younger sister Lori and husband Paul Young. Her nieces and nephews: Samantha (Miller) and Zachary Dawson, Jennifer Coyne, Heather Young, and David Young. Sheri's legacy also includes her many grandchildren: Natia and Isiah, Victor, Jada and Jermaine, Jaydun, Jordan, Janette, Caden, Mikaela, Amiyah, and Kairhym. Also, her four great-grandchildren: Noah, Noel, Nova'Lynn, and Cianni.
Her life and our journey together are memories we will always cherish!