Sherry Leigh Kite

Sherry Leigh Kite, a beloved mother, sister, grandmother, aunt, daughter, and friend, departed from this world on January 22, 2024, at the age of 59. Her passing leaves a void that cannot be filled, but her memory will forever be etched in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know and love her.

Born on January 28th, 1964, in Louisville, Kentucky, to the late Betsy Dohrman and Bruce Keeling, Sherry was a graduate of the University of Southern California and was a lifelong Trojans fan. Sherry embraced life with a spirit of warmth and kindness that touched everyone she encountered. She faced life's challenges with grace, resilience, and unwavering love for her family. As a devout Christian, Sherry was a beacon of love and support, always striving to be a pillar of strength for her children and siblings, and a cherished friend to many. Sherry's life was a testament to the power of love, resilience, and the enduring strength of the human spirit. Her nurturing and caring nature created a home filled with love, where family and friends found solace, comfort, and acceptance.

She is survived by her loving children: Amanda Gawthorpe, Darrel Gawthorpe, Charlene Phan, Brian Kite, Victoria Kite, Gregory Kite, Andrew Kite, Isabella Kite, Alexandra Kite, Juliana Kite, and Isaiah Kite. Her legacy extends further through her adoring grandchildren Lorrisa Gawthorpe, Dean Gawthorpe, Ava Gawthorpe, Liam Gawthorpe, Ronin Nguyen, and Koa Kite, and her great-grandchildren Eden and Eleanor Bierman, who all brought immeasurable joy and laughter to her life.

As a devoted sister, Sherry shared a special bond with her brother Bruce Keeling, her sister-in-law Kristen Keeling, and her nephews Harrison Keeling and Kyle Keeling, which went beyond blood ties. They will forever hold dear the memories of shared laughter, shared tears, and the unbreakable bonds forged over a lifetime.

As we mourn the loss of Sherry Leigh Kite, let us also celebrate the beautiful life she lived and the profound impact she had on all who were fortunate enough to know her. May she rest in eternal peace, surrounded by the love she so freely gave during her time on this earth. Sherry’s heart is best exemplified by the quote she always repeated to her loved ones: “I’ll love you forever, I’ll like you for always, as long as I’m living my baby you’ll be.”

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The Animal Protection Society of Durham (APS) in Sherry's name, as a tribute to her compassionate spirit and commitment to making the world a better place, by using the link below, under 'Donations'.

If you would like to share a favorite memory / story of Sherry, or a message of condolence for her family, you may do so below, within 'Add a Memory'.