Sherry Shelby Phillips, 81, passed away on Thursday, December 19, surrounded by family at Mercy Hospital in Cape Girardeau.

Sherry was born on May 23, 1943 to Cecil and Violet Shelby. She grew up in New Madrid, and attended New Madrid High School, where she was the Christmas Dance queen. After graduating, she married her high school sweetheart, Leland Oral Phillips, on March 27, 1965. She accompanied her husband to West Germany, where she lived for two years and taught Bible school. After returning home, she fulfilled her dream of starting a family and dedicated her time to her children. She was later elected City Collector of New Madrid, a position she held for many years. She retired in 2006 to spend more time with her grandchildren.

Sherry was a pillar of the New Madrid community. She loved spending time with her wonderful group of friends, and always looked forward to their yearly beach trip. She took great pleasure in playing Yahtzee, attending Bunko nights, and Sunday rides with her friend Glodine. She was known for her boundless generosity, fierce loyalty, and her dedication to those in need. She would drop everything to help a stranger, never expecting anything in return. She was a devout Christian and was a member of New Madrid Baptist Church.

Sherry's greatest joy in life was spending time with her grandchildren. Known as "Bee" or "Meme" to her grandkids, she was a constant presence at every sporting event, recital, and graduation. Her natural gift with children made her an excellent babysitter to many over the years, and she was known for her ability to instantly calm any child. She never met a baby that she didn't want to hold. She loved the simple things in life, and could always be found sharing a Diet Coke and a Hershey's Kiss with her many grandkids.

She was preceded in death by her husband, who died on August 4, 2024, her brother Mitchell (Karen) Shelby, and her parents.

She leaves behind her four children: Leland "Leebo" Phillips of Boonville, Missouri; Craig Phillips of New Madrid; Kari (Duane) Beussink of Cape Girardeau; and Whitney (Sabe) Caton of Boonville, and a daughter-in-law, Amy (Mark) Preyer of Kennett. She is also survived by her brother Terry (Kay) Shelby of Sikeston; nine grandchildren: Jake (Lydia) Phillips of Dexter; Drew Beussink of New Haven, Connecticut; Emma Phillips of Little Rock, Arkansas; Bailey Beussink of Columbia, Missouri; Audrey Phillips of Kennett; Colby, Mabry, and Crosby Caton of Boonville; and Paige and Addison Beussink of Cape Girardeau. She had one great-grandchild: Reign Phillips of Dexter.

Friends may call from 11:00am to 1:00pm on Saturday, December 28, 2024 at New Madrid Baptist Church, with a memorial service following immediately afterwards at 1:00pm.

Sherry's loving heart and gentle spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew her.