9/15/59 — 8/27/23
Sherrie Williams Osborne, 63, danced her way into heaven on Sunday, August 27, 2023, surrounded by many loved ones. Born September 15, 1959, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Savannah Elmore Williams and Jack Murphy Williams, Sherrie was the self-proclaimed “Alpha” out of her group of four sisters.
A graduate of North Wilkes High School (Class of 1977), Sherrie never forgot her Wilkes county roots or the taste of Sunny Italy’s salad and homemade cream puffs. In the fall of 1977, Sherrie ventured off to the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, where she double majored in Biology and Communications and minored in overachieving.
As a mother, Sherrie epitomized the domestic queen and was the consummate stay-at-home mom to her children. She gracefully balanced maintaining a pristine home, a bountiful social life and being the most supportive mom to her kids. There was never any doubt that Sherrie would be at all of her children’s events showing them love, even if she was slightly distracted due to her natural abilities as a social butterfly.
While her children would like to think differently, it is quite possible that the greatest joy in Sherrie’s life was being a beloved “Shae Shae” to her many grandchildren. “Shae Shae” loved to spoil her grandbabies by keeping the freezer stocked with popsicles and the house full of toys. The love and adoration she gave to her grandchildren was most certainly reciprocated, and the fun afternoons at the park and midday dance parties will continue to be cherished in their memories.
Sherrie, a karaoke queen, liked to remind her audience that her “boots were made for walking”, and if you were lucky enough to meet her, they’d “walk all over you.” This ultimate dance floor diva pirouetted her way through life with grace, elegance and a whole lotta’ sass. She could instantly light up any room with her dazzling smile and contagious personality.
Sherrie made life one giant party — so much so that she found herself in bed by 8 PM on most nights. The ultimate prankster, Sherrie could often be spotted scheming and plotting for her next victim. Her hilarious antics were always greeted with laughter and the fear that you may be next. Her beloved Billy Bob teeth frequently made their way to social gatherings to frighten partygoers.
Sherrie was a radiant beauty, and arguably her best trait was her warm and caring heart that always made room at her table for anyone needing a spot. While Sherrie loved people, her relationship with Christ was at the forefront of her life. With a servant’s heart and a kind nature, Sherrie was able to love others because Christ loved her first. It was her faith that gave her strength and joy. Her walk with Jesus has guided her into eternal salvation and, as a family, we are comforted in knowing she received the Lord as her Savior.
Sherrie is survived by her father, Jack Murphy Williams (Kathy) of Fredericksburg, VA; husband, Henry Hilgartner of Burlington NC; and five children, Colt Higgins (Jeff) of Raleigh, NC, Michael Osborne of Raleigh, NC, Matthew Osborne (Bryana) of Sharpsburg, GA, Katy Doss (Chris) of Snow Camp, NC, and Emily Osborne of Gibsonville, NC. Her grandchildren, Landyn Doss, Madilynn Doss, David Osborne, and Charlotte Osborne, will keep her legacy dancing on. She will be greatly missed by her three adoring sisters, Lorelei Tharpe (Forrest) of Willis, TX, Corinna Martin (Sandy) of Spartanburg, SC, and Jacqueline Camenisch (Jay) of Stanford, KY. Sherrie also leaves behind her two snuggle pups, Skylar of the heated blanket near the window, and Ellie Mae of the back of the couch cushion. She also leaves behind countless nieces and nephews who always have fun stories to share about their “Aunt Sherrie.” Lastly, she leaves behind many friends, including her best friend of 35 years, Shelly Hursey of Elon, NC, and many other cherished family members: Chris Osborne (Gail) of Cantonment, FL, Ruth Osborne of Shelby, NC, Donna Almand (Paul) of Birmingham, AL, and David Osborne (Gayle) of Pensacola, FL.
Sherrie’s heavenly welcome committee includes her grandparents, Jason & Mary Elmore, of North Wilkesboro, NC and her mother, Savannah Williams, of North Wilkesboro, NC.
Sherrie’s “Party” will take place on October 8th, 2023, at 2:00 in the afternoon at Harvest Baptist Church in Burlington, NC with a private reception to follow. The family will receive guests starting an hour before the service.
To donate to a cause that was important to Sherrie or to get additional information, please visit everloved.com/life-of/sherrie-osborne/.
