Sheryl Bowman Applewhite

Sheryl Bowman Applewhite, 80, of Gulfport, MS, passed away peacefully at her home on Wednesday, September 16, 2026.

Sheryl was born on October 24, 1945, in Hattiesburg, MS to Otis and Hettie Bowman. She attended Hattiesburg High School and later attended the University of Southern Mississippi.

Sheryl and Billy owned and operated TraMark Golfcourse in Gulfport, MS from 1975 until Hurricane Katrina in 2005. With the title of LPGA, Sheryl had an undeniable passion for teaching golf and was selected as the National Ladies Professional Golf Association Teacher of the year in 1987. She ran one of the finest Jr. Golf programs for 25 years at TraMark. One of her most cherished accomplishments was starting and organizing the Mississippi Gulf Coast Junior Golf Program.

Besides her love for golf, Sheryl had an equal love for music. She enjoyed singing in the church choir, playing piano and singing with her grandchildren and friends. She was involved with Bible studies and church ministries at Bay Vista Baptist Church for many years and she also enjoyed writing poetry.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Otis and Hettie Bowman; and by her brother, Buddy Bowman.

Sheryl is survived by her husband, Billy Applewhite; her children, Tracy (Darin) Broussard and Mark (Julie) Applewhite; her grandchildren, Bailey Broome, Cameron Broome, Kylie Broome, Joseph (Grace) Applewhite; and by her sister-in-law, Wynn (Glenn) Applewhite.

In lieu of flowers the family prefers donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Sheryl’s memory.

A graveside service will be held Monday, September 21, 2026, at 10:00 am at Floral Hills Memorial Gardens. A Celebration of Life and Fellowship will follow at 11:00 am at Bay Vista Baptist Church in Biloxi.

Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Sheryl Bowman Applewhite.