Obituary of Sherrille Grace Compain

Sherrille Grace Julian Compain passed away on Saturday, June 1Oth at the age of 71 after a brief and unexpected illness. She left a wonderful legacy. Sherrille had a lifetime dedication to the belief that knowledge is a cherished gift with the power to transform lives. She put that belief to work formally as a teacher in Georgia public schools at Brantley Co. High School (Nahunta) and Northside Middle School (Warner Robins). She was even lured out of retirement to serve as a substitute teacher in the Swain County school system by a local friend. She was always ready and enthusiastic for spirited, open-minded conversation about any topic be it politics, world history, great food and wine, movies or sports. She approached those conversations and all she did in life with stellar wit and a mischievous spirit. She loved her family and took great joy in keeping up with her daughter, siblings, stepchildren, nephews and grandchildren, even if she got a few names mixed up from time to time. She also loved animals and some might argue her pets were pampered more than her husband Gerry. Sherrille and Gerry loved to travel and took advantage of her retirement to see the world. Among their many cruising trips, they were able to visit Alaska, Antartica, Germany and the Panama Canal. They also enjoyed spending fall at their residence in Florida to be on hand for college football season. Even though she graduated from Stetson University, she was a die hard Florida Gator fan and season ticket holder for almost 40 years. Sherrille was a mom, sister, aunt, bard, sage, and friend, and will be deeply missed. She is survived by her blended family with daughter Katie and husband Gerry, Gerry's children Jason, Kirsten, Gavin, Travis and Amanda, siblings Ned and Katherine and nephews Matt, Ty, Daniel and Jeff. Sherrille would ask you not to grieve. Instead, she would love it if you would go have a good, cold beer or glass of wine, read a great book and come football season, cheer Go Gators loudly and often. A memorial service to honor Sherrille's life will be held Saturday, June 17th, 2PM at Crisp Funeral Home in Bryson City, NC. The family asks in lieu of flowers for donations to be made to the Alarka Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 2028 Bryson City, NC 28713 or PAWS Animal Shelter, PO Box 1814 Bryson City, NC 28713. Sherrille believed strongly in charitable giving and supporting her local community.