Obituary of Sheryl Dean Denman

April 18, 1951 – April 15, 2018

Sheryl D. Denman, Age 66 of Southgate.     

Beloved wife of the late Fred Denman. Loving mother of Sarah (Johnny Kazmar) Denman, Fredrick (Abagael Ciak) Denman and Mary Jo (Ben) Jezylo. Dearest daughter of Jo Gardner. Dear sister of Barbara (Jerry) Biskner. Grandmother of Elizabeth, James, Darla and 2 on the way.

FAMILY TRIBUTE 

Sheryl always expressed how perfect her childhood was being surrounded by her mother, father, sister, cousins, aunts, uncles and grandparents. In October 1962, the family moved to Michigan from Mississippi although her accent stayed with her for all 67 years. Even back then everyone loved her, especially the teachers because of those polite southern manners. However, the manners drifted away as she became closer to the school bullies, Shirley and Sharon Reger. From there her friendships continued to blossom to many of the lifelong friends here today. 

Once she graduated from Southgate High in 1969 she became one of the first female letter carriers and this is where she met Fred. She loved him because of his sense of humor and he was kind to her when many of other men were threatened. They wed on May 5th 1972 and within a short time expanded the family with Sarah Elizabeth (1974), Frederick Hasten (1977), and Mary Jo Gardner (1984). Although she stopped working at the post office once she started to have children, she and Fred became land lords and she was always there to help with the rehabbing of their rentals. She and Fred would have been married 46 years this May. In addition to being a landlord Sheryl was dedicated to her community. She was School Board president, City Treasurer, City Council president, and lifelong member of Legacy Church. She worked at Sam's Club for 20 + years and was a stain-glass instructor as well, some of her work can be seen in Downriver establishments, such as the Trenton Theater. 

Her work ethic was beyond measure, even when it came to her hobbies, she hiked the Grand Canyon and was a Black belt. She also loved Florida and eventually bought her own piece of paradise, also known as the "Pink Villa." The list could go on and on of her accomplishments, but what we all remember most is the very experience of "being with her." Her personality was vibrant, kind, funny, and intelligent. People were naturally drawn to her and it was a gift to be in her presence. She touched so many lives and her impact will go on forever. As her daughter I've never doubted there is a God because He gave me her as a mother. She always stated that she lived a blessed and charmed life and she did not want anyone to mourn her, but to only celebrate, however this is hard to do when you love someone as much as we all loved her.