Gone Too Soon: Honoring a Colleague and Friend

I knew that Sherry was facing a life threatening illness and she was doing all she could to serve her institution, to take care of herself, and to be a light to the world.  My good colleague, Chaplain Reverend Sherry Owensby-Sikes, died on November 4, 2017 at age 71.  She was the Chaplain at the Lutheran retirement community, Franke at Seaside, in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina for 17 years.  More than that she was a wife, mother, devoted Christian, professional chaplain, Lutheran pastor, and trusted colleague who deeply cared for people.  I want to dedicate this blog to her life, and in memory of her ministry and work as a chaplain.  I also want to share my heartfelt condolences for Mr. Dave Sikes, Sherry’s husband, in his great loss.  

Sherry was an outstanding listener.  She was an empathetic pastoral caregiver.  She could connect with others at the soul level in a respectful and tolerant manner--always.  She trusted God and helped others to lean into God’s great grace and care.  She was a champion of those who had been marginalized by a society that is in love with power, money, and status.  She was a chaplain to chaplains.  She advocated for professional chaplaincy and the goal of helping other chaplains reach their potential.  She was a leader and amazing advocate.  She is someone you would want to call, “true friend.”  I honor and remember Chaplain Sherry and I will miss her.   May the LORD comfort Dave Sikes and Sherry’s family.  Sherry’s death, like Christ’s death, is not the last word.  The last word is God’s invitation and welcome into the eternal Kingdom of God where grace and mercy will rule the day.  I am grateful for Sherry’s commitment and witness that embodied God’s mercy and grace to a hurting and aging world.   She will be greatly missed by many.