Sheryl McCombs Lyerly

Sheryl McCombs Lyerly, 71, of Faith, passed away Sunday, February 15, 2026, after a brief illness.

She was born January 13, 1955, in Rowan County, to Ray Verne McCombs and Mary Ellen Jarrett McCombs. Sheryl was a 1973 Graduate of East Rowan High School and a 1975 Graduate of Rowan-Cabarrus Community College, where she received her degree in nursing. Throughout her career, Sheryl worked as a Registered Nurse in the OR at Rowan Medical Center, at W.G. Hefner VA Medical Center, and in nursing homes throughout Rowan County. Most recently, she taught CNA classes at Rowan-Cabarrus. Sheryl was a member of Christiana Lutheran Church in Salisbury and remained active with the church choir for many years. She completed reading the Bible several times, gaining immeasurable knowledge about scripture that she shared with others. Sheryl loved music and listened to it all the time. She also loved animals, especially elephants, and because she could never turn away a cat, may have gained the reputation of “crazy cat lady.” She was also very particular about spelling and grammar. Even though she was born in January, her family will remember her dislike for winter and anything associated with being cold.

She was preceded in death by her father.

In addition to her mother, Sheryl is survived by her son, Benjamin Daniel Lyerly (Kelli); daughter, Megan Lyerly Richardson (Nathan); grandchildren, Savannah Lyerly and Ansley Lyerly; step-granddaughter, Emma Rary; sister, Julie McCombs Blalock; nephews, Jarrett Blalock, Jamey Blalock (Nanci), Matt Lyerly, and Rob Lyerly (Rebecca); and former husband who remained a very close friend, Brantley Lyerly.

The family will greet friends and relatives from 2:00 PM until 2:45 PM on Thursday, February 19, in the sanctuary, at Christiana Lutheran Church.

A memorial service will follow at 3:00 PM on Thursday, at the church, conducted by the Reverend Lucas Safrit.

Memorials may be made to Christiana Lutheran Church, 6190 U.S. 52, Salisbury, NC 28146 or Humane Society of Rowan County, P.O. Box 295, Salisbury, NC 28145.

Powles Staton Funeral Home of Rockwell is assisting the family. Online condolences may be made at powlesfuneralhome.com.