Sherry Bradley Steffey Crenshaw
May 6, 1937 – January 26, 2019
Born to Lillie Farrar Bradley and David Marion Bradley, Sherry, 81, grew up on the family farm in Centre, Alabama. She was a majorette in the Cherokee County High School band, a champion bowler and drag racer, and a member of the Travelers’ Club, a passion that continued throughout her life as she traveled all over the world.
Sherry lived many happy years in Gadsden, Alabama; Danville, Virginia; and Naples, Florida; and she enjoyed spending summers in Beech Mountain, North Carolina. She was a member of a score of social groups, interest clubs, and service organizations, and particularly enjoyed The Antiquarian Society, The Mystery Ball Club, The Goodyear Women’s Association, and The Vineyards’ 18-Hole Golf Association. For many years she was an award-winning Doncaster consultant, an American Contract Bridge League gold life master, and a duplicate bridge tournament director.
Sherry was an expert seamstress and made the bridesmaids’ dresses for all of the family weddings, including her own. She was a gourmet cook and a consummate entertainer who thought nothing of having 20 for lunch and 40 for dinner – on the same day. She was a lifelong Methodist who taught Sunday school, sang in the church choir, and played eight handbells at once. She listened to sermons on tape while she ironed.
Sherry stepped out with her best foot forward, even on the tennis court, where her skirt, top, jacket, and visor routinely formed a matching set. She was a spectacular dance partner and had a full card at every celebration. She drove a ruby red convertible, which suited her perfectly. Gardenia was her favorite fragrance.
Named Danville’s 1976 Mother of the Year, Sherry leaves eight adoring daughters to cherish her memory: Ramona Green Hicks (John), Regina Green Carson (David), Sherry Ann Green Pullen (Mark), Jackie Steffey Sessoms (Buck), Allison Steffey Holbert (Hoby), Jennifer Steffey Hinesley (Tim), Leslie Steffey Faircloth (Cal), and Laura Steffey Guigou. She is also survived by her loving husband of 14 years, Paul G. Crenshaw, 20 grandchildren, and a slew of Bradley cousins, nieces, and nephews. Her brothers, Horace and Ralph Bradley, preceded her in death.
Sherry was beloved, and her boundless energy, joyful demeanor, and whimsical wit will be sorely missed.
Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Sherry’s memory to your charity of choice. Online condolences may be made at www.laughlinservice.com.
