Sheryl Ann McGowan

Sheryl was born on January 3, 1949, in Columbia, Missouri, to Andrew Taylor Dorsey Sr. and Jean Allen Dorsey. The youngest of five children, Sheryl’s younger years were highlighted by her activity in the Rainbow Girls and performing as a baton majorette. During that time, she was also an active member of Wilkes Blvd. Methodist Church, which helped inspire her faith and a lifelong devotion to God.

She attended David H. Hickman High School in Columbia, Missouri, graduating in 1967. During that time, Sheryl built a network of friends that remained strong throughout her life. Sheryl then continued her education at Stephens College, earning an associate's degree in 1970.

A devoted wife, mother and grandmother, Sheryl dedicated her life to strengthening and supporting her family. She could be found cheering on her children and grandchildren during their athletic and theatrical pursuits—regardless of location or weather conditions; when someone she loved was in need, Sheryl was the first to defend them with unwavering tenacity; a hot meal awaited anyone who sat her table for dinner. To her, friends were simply family with different last names.

In addition to Sheryl’s dedication to her family, she derived great satisfaction and pride in a housecleaning business she created and managed with a close friend. Away from work, she especially enjoyed the countless hours she spent bowling, shopping, camping and traveling with George, her husband of nearly 46 years.

Sheryl was also an avid sports fan, with a particular affinity for the Missouri Tigers. As a teenager, she sold flowers in the stands at Mizzou home football games. One of her fondest sports memories was attending the Tigers’ historic football victory over Nebraska in 2003. She also enjoyed spending Sundays with family, watching the Kansas City Chiefs, especially during the team’s recent Super Bowl victories.

Sheryl was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Kitty Gordon and husband, Edwin; brother, James Dorsey; brother, A.T. Dorsey and brother-in-law, James Walz.

Sheryl is survived by her husband, George of Independence, Missouri; son, Jay McGowan of Blue Springs, Missouri; son, David Sprague and wife, Jessica Sprague of Columbia, Missouri; daughter, Leslie Englund and husband, Ryan Englund of Lee’s Summit, Missouri; grandchildren, Hailey Englund, Dominic Englund, Logan Sprague, Jackson Sprague and Elise Sprague; sister, Marinell Walz of Lake of the Ozarks; sister-in-law Carolyn Dorsey of Columbia, Missouri and Patty Ware Dorsey of Boonville, Missouri.

A visitation for Sheryl will be held Monday, February 27, 2023 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Newcomer's Floral Hills Funeral Home, 7000 BLUE RIDGE BLVD, KANSAS CITY, MO 64133, followed by a funeral service from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM.