Merle Lucy Sherman

Merle L. Sherman, age 89, died on April 24, 2013 at Canon Hospice in Gulfport. Mrs. Sherman was born in Millbach Springs PA on April 7, 1924. She is preceded in death by her husband of 44 years, Dr. John R. Sherman, Jr; her son, Timothy M. Sherman, Sr.; her granddaughter, Leslie G. Sherman; and her brothers Harold, Hiram, Maurice, Henry and Marlin Bennetch, of Pennsylvania. She and her husband made a life in the Air Force, and were stationed with their family in Germany, Massachusetts, Texas, California, Japan, Florida, Mississippi, Germany (again) and North Dakota. On retirement from the service in 1978, they made their home in New Orleans. Mrs. Sherman was an employee of Sears Credit Central there, but still gave countless volunteer hours to helping friends and family, making crafts that brought joy to many, and was famous for her cherry pie. Mrs. Sherman moved to Ocean Springs in 2003 to be closer to her family. She became an active member of St. Paul United Methodist Church and the Cursillo Community. She continued in her passion for helping others, setting a wonderful example and lasting memories for all those who knew and loved her. Mrs. Sherman is survived by her daughter, Kathleen (Terry) Fordemwalt of Ocean Springs; her son, John R. (Marianne) Sherman, III of Biloxi, Anthony (Holly) Sherman of Springfield, VA and Christopher (Trina) Sherman, of Austin, TX. She is also survived by ten grandchildren: Daniel (Jennifer) Fordemwalt, of Mobile, AL; Christopher Fordemwalt of Hattiesburg, MS; John R. (Adrianna) Sherman, IV, of San Antonio, TX; Nicholas (Tiffany) Sherman of Schertz, TX; Lisa Sherman of Springfield, VA; Timothy (Ashleigh) Sherman, and Lucy Sherman of Valdalia, Ohio and Zachary, Matthew and Amy Sherman of Austin, TX. Four great-grandchildren affectionately called her GiGi and she lit up when she saw them! They are Rachel Sherman, John R. Sherman, V, and Ryan Sherman, of San Antonio, TX and Jack Fordemwalt of Mobile, AL. In PA she is survived by her brother-in-law, Bill Sherman; and her sisters-in-law Amy Bennetch, Nancy Bennetch and Martha Bennetch. Friends may visit from 9:30-11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 4, 2013, at St. Paul United Methodist Church, 800 Porter Ave., Ocean Springs. A Memorial Service will follow at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations in Mrs. Sherman’s memory may be made to St. Paul United Methodist Church, Ocean Springs. The Ocean Springs Chapel of Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. View and sign register book at www.bradfordokeefe.com