Sheryl Bennett

Sheryl Lynn Bennett, a beloved mother, grandmother, artist, educator, and mentor, left this world on August 3, 2024. The life she led was extraordinary and powerful, earning her the affectionate title of the “voice of wisdom” among all who knew her.

Sheryl (“Sherri” or “Berri”) Lynn Bennett was born on March 26, 1956, at Highland Hospital, Beacon, New York. She was the fourth child of Virgil and Beulah Jackson. From birth, her beauty, smile, and infectious laugh drew people to her. As a lifelong resident of Beacon, New York, she attended South Avenue Elementary School and graduated from Beacon High School in June 1974. Sherri was a diligent student who excelled in math, communication, and art. Her talent for art was supported by her parents, who gave her private lessons and encouraged her development. Her ability to make beautiful friendships, understand and articulate ideas and feelings effectively, and create expressive artwork demonstrated her multifaceted abilities and gifts throughout her educational career. After graduating, Sheryl attended Albany Business School and began her career in banking and management. She continued working in these fields while briefly living in Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island, NY, before settling back in Beacon in her mid-20s to raise her young family of four.

Her family-oriented upbringing profoundly influenced her perspective, and she was passionately committed to principles that promoted family well-being. With a heart full of compassion and a mind brimming with knowledge, she dedicated her life to teaching and uplifting others. It was important to her to connect with people in a positive way and she took great joy in helping people feel accepted and understood. As a teacher, Sheryl developed a passion early on notably when she taught her younger sister Lynette and childhood friends Kelly and Tracy to swim. Her teaching came to encompass many areas including environmental awareness, financial literacy, vocational skills, politics, African American history, Pan-African studies, social sciences, pop culture, and much more. Sheryl prided herself on her rich cultural understanding. She took pride in her approach to people in adverse situations and selflessly offered herself to help others.

Throughout her life, Sheryl pursued artistry in a number of forms, including painting, sculpting, and woodworking. Her artistic lens was formidable, inspired by a vast spectrum of abstract and concrete thinkers, musicians, writers, athletes, dancers, and philosophers, from whom she related through thought and creativity. As an artist, Sheryl possessed a unique ability to capture the beauty of the world around her, specifically capturing the picturesque beauty of the Hudson Valley and her native Beacon with miniature canvas paintings. Her artwork inspired many and reflected her deep appreciation for life’s intricacies. In much of her work, she used a mixed medium of acrylic and watercolor on canvas, offering stunning details that brought her subjects to life. After showcasing her work online and in galleries, her art has become well-loved and appreciated within the art world for its mastery, beauty, and uniqueness.

Sheryl was passionate about giving back to her community. She served as a leader for both the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, fostering invaluable skills and experiences for her children and their peers. She founded a youth organization Sisters With a Positive Attitude aimed at teaching young girls confidence, etiquette, and leadership, further inspiring the next generation. In collaboration with her children, she established a nonprofit organization called Tools for School, dedicated to supplying underprivileged children with backpacks and school supplies to empower their educational journeys. She remained committed to the civic organizations her mother belonged to, such as the NAACP of Fishkill and Les Seours Amiable Civic Club of Beacon. For many years, she attended Star of Bethlehem Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Reverend Garfield Farley and raised her children to know and love God.

She was actively involved in philanthropic efforts, participating in food and clothing drives, as well as youth scholarship initiatives, with various civic organizations over the years.

As a respected member of her family, Sheryl spent quality time lending an ear to any loved one who needed support by way of talking, and she would even offer her kindest dose of truth. Her family recognized her as the “voice” of wisdom and guidance. Her dedication to her entire family was unconditional, and Sherri was unparalleled in her support for her beloved family members. Her resolve to be a light of good within her family was evident as she organized many family events and celebrations, and was joyfully present when invited to gatherings. Her morning birthday text announcements for every single family member throughout the year became our frequent reminder of how important our connection was and the value of maintaining it. Sheryl, or “Aunt Sherri” sought to celebrate the uniqueness of each person she knew–and for that reason made each of us feel like a cherished jewel within her crowned family.

Above all, Sheryl cherished her role as a mother. She dedicated her life to her four children, instilling in them the values of kindness, perseverance, citizenship, and the importance of following one’s passion. Her unconditional love and unwavering support were the cornerstones of her family. This passion continued as a grandmother where she took pride in the relationships she maintained with her grandchildren. Sheryl instilled in her children all of the best parts of what she represented. Compassionate, focused, loving, and a sense of pride for family. Sheryl is predeceased by her father Virgil Jackson, Sr., her mother Beulah Jackson, and her brother, Virgil Jackson, Jr. She is survived by sons Reginald Bennett Jr., and Rashard Bennett, daughters Tyré Robinson and Carly Tibbs, adopted daughter LaShallah Osbourne, and bonus son Terrence Battle, and each of their devoted spouses. She is survived by her sisters Patricia Jackson, Valerie Jackson, Carla Thompson, Lynette Jackson, Lori Wilson Lynette Slater, and brother-in-law Harun Tolbert. Sherri is also survived by 10 grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of beloved friends. She is remembered as a wonderful woman of principle, virtue, and dedication — a gifted teacher, a devoted friend, a good citizen, and an effervescent beacon of love.

Ms. Bennett will have a visitation from 11:00 am-12:00 Noon, Thursday, August 8, 2024, at Rhodes Funeral Home Chapel, 18 Lake Street, Newburgh, New York 12550. Funeral service 12:00 Noon at the Chapel.
Professional services are entrusted to Rhodes Funeral Homes, 43 Fairview Ave., Poughkeepsie, NY 12601. “Committed To Being The Very Best” Call us anytime at 845-452-2894 or 845-452-6143.