Sherry Jo Barrett

October 10, 1957 – January 17, 2020

Palm Harbor, FL – Sherry J Barrett, 62, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 17, 2020, surrounded by her family and friends. She was born in Hampton, VA to Hugh and Sharon Gilmore.

Sherry is survived by her two sons Ronnie Barrett and Kyle Barrett; daughter-in-law Tatiana Barrett; mother Sharon Gilmore; siblings Steven Gilmore, Paula Scott Terhune (Dave), Joe Gilmore and Tom Gilmore (Nicole); grandchildren Aurora Barrett and Sofia Barrett; and many cousins, nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her best friend Kay Parker Paul and her former husband Ron Barrett. She was preceded in death by her father Hugh Gilmore, her son Matthew Barrett and her partner Jim Magnetta.

Sherry was a graduate of Lakewood High School and she attended St. Petersburg College. Her professional life was spent in the insurance industry. She began her career at Liberty Mutual Insurance Company where she spent over 20 years as a Commercial Lines Account Executive and then moved to Insurance Office of America for 10 years as a Commercial Lines Account Manager. She was currently working at Sihle Insurance as a Commercial Lines Account Manager. Sherry loved her job, her work family especially her “work husband” Mark Sheffield and her customers.

Sherry was a devoted grandmother, mother-in-law, daughter, sister, aunt, cousin and friend. Her greatest joy in life was playing with her granddaughters Aurora and Sofia. Sherry loved her family and friends. She was the glue that kept them going and planning and organizing events. She loved dancing, the beach, boating and Tampa Bay Buccaneer football games especially the tailgating.

Sherry loved people and epitomized kindness and helping others. She was known for her smile and for always being happy. Anytime she walked into a room she would light up the room with that famous smile. In addition, her laughter would brighten anyone’s day. She was so selfless and wanted to make sure everyone around her was happy and well taken care of never thinking of herself. Her nieces and nephews loved how she greeted them with the big smile followed by a red lipstick kiss. She left her mark on their cheeks and in all of our hearts.

A memorial service will be held on January 25, 2020 at 2:00 PM at the National Cremation Society, 4945 E. Bay Drive, Clearwater, FL 33764. A celebration of life reception will be held after the service at The Mainlands Clubhouse Unit #1, 4320 Mainlands Boulevard, Pinellas Park, FL 33782. (It will be the first clubhouse on the left.) In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the American Cancer Society in memory of Sherry.