Anna Sherrill

Anna Sherrill, beloved mother, wife, scholar, and friend, passed away peacefully on May 21, 2026, after a courageous journey with memory loss and probable Alzheimer’s disease. She was 81 years old. 

Anna was born on April 3, 1945, in Dallas, Texas to James Alexander Hurley and Anne Edna Hurley. She grew up alongside her sisters, Kathleen Hurley, Katherine Hurley, and Elizabeth Teel-Hurley, sharing a close family bond throughout her life. 

Anna attended the University of Texas, where she met James Curtis Erck. They married in 1965 and welcomed their daughter, Lisa Hamilton, in 1968. Though Anna and James later divorced in 1973, Anna continued pursuing her education and her passion for science with determination and grace. 

In 1980, Anna moved to Kingsport, Tennessee where she later met Bobby Sherrill. The two shared a loving marriage that lasted until Bobby’s tragic passing in an automobile accident in February 2025. 

Anna earned her PhD in Biochemistry in 1981, an accomplishment that reflected her intelligence, perseverance, and love of learning. During her years in graduate school, she formed treasured lifelong friendships with Shirley Black, Annette Lovett, Jodie Ball-Gafford and Colleen Madigan whose companionship meant so much to her throughout her life. 

Anna built a successful professional career working for GlaxoSmithKline, where she also met her dear friend, Linda Hiles. Their friendship remained a special and meaningful part of Anna’s life.

Anna had a deep love for travel, hiking, nature, lifelong learning, and adventure. She was an active member of a hiking club and hiked Mt. LeConte yearly with her husband Bob, where she formed treasured friendships with Judith Foster, Randal Rogers, and Dianne & Andy Hawkins. Anna also attended and taught classes through the College for Older Adults in Abingdon, sharing her love of knowledge and connecting with others through learning and community. 

Anna and Bob were longtime supporters of the Barter Theatre and greatly enjoyed the arts and cultural experiences the theater brought to the region. They were also devoted members of Pleasant View Methodist Church, where they attended the contemporary service and especially loved the praise band and church community there. 

One of Anna’s favorite memories was traveling through Europe with her daughter Lisa and her sister-inlaw, Hilda Sherrill, in 1997 as a graduation gift celebrating Lisa’s completion of optometry school. Anna embraced life with curiosity and appreciation for the beauty of the world around her. 

Above all, Anna will be remembered as a loving mother, devoted wife, loyal friend, and thoughtful, intelligent woman whose kindness touched many lives. Her strength, independence, and adventurous spirit will remain an inspiration to those who knew and loved her. 

Anna was preceded in death by her husband, Bobby Sherrill; her parents, James Alexander Hurley and Anne Edna Hurley; and her sisters, Kathleen Hurley and Katherine Hurley. 

She is survived by her daughter, Lisa Hamilton, Lisa’s husband Bobby Hamilton, her sister, Elizabeth “Beth” Teel-Hurley, along with many dear friends and loved ones who will miss her greatly. 

A memorial service celebrating Anna’s life will be held at Pleasant View Methodist Church on August 2, 2026, at 3:00 PM. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to an Alzheimer’s research or support organization in Anna’s memory. One recommendation is: https://curealz.org 

The Family of Anna Sherrill is being cared for by Farris Funeral Service & Crematory, 427 E. Main Street, Abingdon, Va 276-623-2700.