It is with deep grief, but not without hope, that the family of Sheryl Ann Shoemaker announces her passing. We hold fast to the promise in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14, that though we grieve, we do not grieve as those who have no hope.

Sheryl, 66, of Somerset, Kentucky passed away peacefully at her home on March 29, 2025 surrounded by family and those who love her dearly.

She was born to Larry and Ann Lay on July 25, 1958 in Somerset, Kentucky. She trusted Christ as a young girl and lived out her faith as she sought to love Him and love others. She attended Somerset High School, where she played in the band, and went on to Eastern Kentucky University where she obtained her degree in education. For 27 years, she earned the title of Best Kindergarten Teacher Ever, and as one student said, “There were no bad days in Mrs. Shoemaker’s class.”

No one piece of writing could ever fully do justice to the life Sheryl lived and the legacy left for us to cherish. She coached the Southwestern High School cheerleaders alongside her daughter, Britani, for 15 years. Together they taught team after team to believe! Ultimately she helped lead the way to the infamous white jackets as they secured two UCA National Championships, as well as a KHSAA State Championship.

She continued to cheer for others in her support of Pep and Pizzazz studio, through her dedicated time spent with her ladies at Sky Hope, and in being Nanny Sheryl to her “grands”. She was a faithful member of High Street Baptist Church where she was known for teaching, serving, and being a prayer warrior. Her reach of Christ’s love expanded in ways that influenced and shaped generations of students, cheerleaders, the ladies at Sky Hope, and countless friends for lifetimes to come.

In her later years, you’d never see her wearing anything that wasn’t leopard print and she would only drive cars that were her favorite shade of red. She loved supporting her grands! She loved to read, to enjoy Baxter’s coffee with her coffee sisters, to travel, to float in her swimming pool, and loved any reason to celebrate. Above all she loved to love her people. Whether you knew her as Mrs. Shoemaker, Nanny Sheryl, Mrs. Sheryl, or simply as a friend- she made sure you knew you were loved.

She is reunited in death with her mother, Ann S. Lay. She is survived by her father, Larry Lay. Her husband, Neal Shoemaker. Her brother, Travis (Ren) Lay. Her daughters, Britani Shoemaker, Brooke (Jordan) Begley, Bree (Israel) Shoemaker and bonus daughter Stephanie (Clarence) Hubbard. Her nephew, Brye Lay. Nanny Sheryl is also survived by her grands, Nola Begley, Graham Begley, Eden Begley, Forrest Begley, Helen Begley, Quaneisha Shoemaker, AC Prater, Jalil McBride, Morgan Jones, Julian Jones, Bella Hubbard, Walker Hammond and her grand dog, Rosie.

Visitation and funeral service will be held at High Street Baptist Church, 102 Bourne Avenue, Somerset, Kentucky, 42503. Family will receive friends Wednesday, April 2nd from 5:00 PM –

8:00 PM and Thursday, April 3rd at 10:00 AM, with the funeral service to follow at 11:00 AM. Her final resting place will be beside her mother at Somerset City Cemetery. Bro. Ed Amundson will be officiating the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests expressions of sympathy take the form of donations to High Street Baptist Church or Sky Hope Recovery Center for Women.

Southern Oaks Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements.