Sherry A. Willis, aged 76, of Westampton, was a multifaceted and accomplished woman whose impact within various domains will be long remembered. She bore many titles, including business owner, educator, marriage counselor, church leader, and mentor. She succumbed to cancer on Tuesday, August 27, at the distinguished Thomas Jefferson University Hospital.
Mrs. Willis established Sherry’s Greenery in 1977 along with Sherry’s Boutique in 1985. She was a leader in her field, propelled to the position of senior independent sales director as a beauty consultant with Mary Kay. Her entrepreneurial spirit also saw her represent Doncaster women’s clothing in direct sales, pioneering in an exclusive high-end women’s clothing boutique at a major international airport.
Her unique boutique at Philadelphia International Airport was an extraordinary success which led her to creating a second store dedicated to children’s wear. Her iconic ventures were so influential that she was featured in a national publication for contributing to the surge in minority-owned businesses in the airport vicinity. It was reported that within a span of a year, business catapulted by a significant 79 percent.
Scaling new heights, she introduced a greenhouse to her South Jersey home. Sherry’s Greenery flourished as it provided interior plantscapes for a variety of settings including restaurants, offices, business establishments, homes, and many more. Along with managing budgets, she also oversaw her business schedules and staffing, demonstrating her exceptional organizational skills.
She also popularized local fashion shows to market her clothing line. Her family lauded her strong business acumen and drive, labeling her as a trailblazer and a natural leader who dominated her field.
In addition to her pivotal role in business, Mrs. Willis challenged herself academically. She completed her bachelor’s degree in business administration from Boston University in 1971 which was a stepping stone for her career path. She went on to educate others by teaching business classes during the 1980s and 90s at various reputed institutions and high schools.
Her zeal for learning continued, as she pursued secretarial science studies at Temple University. She went on to educate others in secretarial studies at Pierce Junior College during the 70s and had an instrumental role in establishing its shorthand lab catering to remedial students. Furthermore, she was a fervent participant in the New Jersey Education Association for several years.
Mrs. Willis, along with her husband, Ed, were certified as marriage counselors. Additionally, they were profound contributors in founding the Perfecting Church in Sewell. She was an elder and accounting administrator at the church and led its beautification ministry.
Mrs. Willis devoted her efforts to mentoring young women within the realms of school, church and the workplace. She was fondly remembered as a dreamer whose determination shaped an extraordinary life.
Born Sherry Ann McHarris on April 13, 1948, in Philadelphia, she was raised with her twin sister, Terry, and elder brother, Ronald, in Mount Airy. She graduated from Germantown High School in 1965.
She met Ed Willis at a party when she was 16. They got married in 1969 and moved to Massachusetts for studies. They returned to the Philadelphia area later, and together they raised four children.
Family was everything to Mrs. Willis, and she devoted her life to building a legacy of love, faith, and togetherness. Mrs. Willis will be remembered for her vibrant charisma, humility, go-getter attitude, unwavering faith and belief in people.
Mrs. Willis’s life was celebrated on September 17. She is survived by her husband, four children, five grandchildren, and other relatives. Donations in her name can be made to Loving Our Cities, an organization based out of Sewell, New Jersey.
