Sherril Dean Thomas

Thomas
Sherril Dean Thomas (Age 81)
It is with great sadness that we announce that on July 15, 2025, Sherril Dean Thomas, affectionately called Sherril "D", Age 81, departed this life peacefully in her sleep at her home in Fort Washington, MD. A devout Christian, loving mother, devoted caregiver, caring grandmother, generous friend, and fierce nurturer, Sherril's life was defined by grace, strength, and unconditional love which continues to inspire all who knew her.

Sherril was born on April 22, 1944 to the late James Wilbur and Eva Louise Ford in Cerro Gordo, NC. She was the fourth child of ten children and quickly took to the role of caregiver.

After graduating from Westside High School located in Chadbourn, North Carolina in 1962, Sherril moved to Washington, DC where she met and married her beloved husband, Richard L. Thomas in June 1963, who preceded her in death in May 2007.

Sherril was the beloved mother of Monica, Richard and Douglas and grandmother to David, Raina and Richard. She was a caregiver to her child Douglas who has special needs for over 39 years, making sure his daily needs were always taken care of, ensuring his safety, well-being and that he was treated fairly and with dignity.

She worked several jobs before starting her own business, Sherril's Unique (Nationwide) Social Planning Service in 1994, where she organized events and travel. She enjoyed traveling, some of her travels included the Bahamas, Alaska and Hawaii.

She was a very caring person, she used her ears for listening, her shoulders for support and her heart and mouth for words of encouragement. Sherril always made you feel special and always sent her family and friends cards with notes of faith and love on birthdays and holidays.

Sherril LOVED photos, taking and receiving them. If you stopped by for a visit she was definitely going to take pictures. If you went to an event you better have taken pictures and made sure she received copies. She received her Diploma for Photographer from Harcourt in June 2000 and became a Distinguished Member of the International Society of Photography. One of her photos: Sunrise In Freeport Bahamas was published by The International Library of Photography.

At the age of 74, in 2018, Sherril earned her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Ohio Christian University. She continued learning and became a Life Coach in January 2020.

If there was a cause worth fighting Sherril was up for the battle. In November 2024, she represented herself and won a court case against a major company.
When she had "downtime" as she would call it, she would love to read anything about the Lord. She LOVED the Lord, she was ALWAYS praising and giving thanks to the Lord.

Sherril leaves to cherish fond memories, daughter Monica Valentine, sons Richard and Douglas Thomas, grandchildren David, Raina and Richard Thomas, brother Douglas Ford, sisters Bertha Strachan and Cynthia Nicholson and a host of other relatives and friends.

Sherril was a loving, caring, selfless, strong and compassionate woman. She will be sorely missed.

While your generosity is greatly appreciated, the family kindly requests no flowers. Contributions to the National Down Syndrome Society or the American Cancer Society in memory of Sherril Dean Thomas would be appreciated.
https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/12456484?utm_source=obit_link.txt