Scherry Lynn Willis, 69, passed away at 5:45 AM on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, in UK/King’s Daughters Medical Center, Ashland Kentucky. Scherry was born in Ironton, Ohio, on June 29, 1957, the daughter of the late William Luther Roth and Virginia Kathryn (Stevens) Roth Rader. She was also the stepdaughter of the late John Wesley Rader. She was a 1975 graduate of Symmes Valley High School, Willow Wood, Ohio.
On July 2, 1977, Scherry married Stephen Glenn Willis at Aid, Ohio. Together, they had two daughters: Stephanie Lynn (Jimmy) Bailey of Portsmouth, Ohio, and Megan Willis Robbins of Peoria, Illinois. They have five grandchildren: Isaac (Alley Malone) Erks of Wheelersburg, Madelyn Bailey of Wheelersburg, Cullen Bailey of Wheelersburg, Sullivan Robbins of Peoria, and Edith Robbins of Peoria, and one great-grandchild.
Upon graduation from high school, Scherry took a position as a teller for Lawrence Federal Savings and Loan in Ironton. She later worked as a case worker for the Ohio Department of Human Services in Ironton, a secretary at Dallas Theological Seminary in Dallas, Texas, and after twenty-three years of service as a guidance secretary, she retired from Jasper Community School District #1 in Newton, Illinois.
Scherry was a gifted artist, with her works appearing in craft shops throughout the U.S. She loved to garden, sew, and decorate. With a keen eye for detail, she had an ability to turn any bland empty space into a comfortable, inviting environment. In recent years, her favorite thing was to watch her grandkids play in a variety of sports.
She possessed an absolutely captivating smile and a warm spirit that made you know you were a special person to her. Always having a willing ear, she was delightful in her conversation and had a knack of making you feel up when you faced difficulties. Her upbeat demeanor was contagious and supportive. She applied these gifts in her ministry at First Baptist Church of Newton, IL, where Steve pastored for forty years. She taught classes and was the director of both youth and adult choirs.
Along with her husband, daughters, and grandchildren, she is survived by seven siblings: Phillip (Marsha) Stevens of Pedro; Sandy (Jamie) Lafon of Scottown; Lisa Cardwell of Proctorville; Angie Eaches (John Music) of Ashland, Kentucky; Mike Roth of Pedro; Rhonda (Scott) Fisher of Minford; and Lorie (Frank) Fulks of Scottown. Scherry was preceded in death by her parents and her stepfather.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 – 7:00 PM on Friday, November 6, 2026, at the D.W. Swick & Son Funeral Home, 11901 Gallia Pike, Wheelersburg. Funeral Service is 10:00 AM Saturday, November 7, 2026, at the Funeral Home with Trent Carpenter officiating; visitation one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at Memorial Burial Park in Wheelersburg.
There’s a step that we all take alone An appointment we have with the great unknown Like a vapor this life is just waiting to pass Like the flowers that fade, like the withering grass But life seems so long and death so complete And the grave an impossible portion to cheat But there’s One who has been there and still lives to tell There is One who has been through both Heaven and hell And the grave will come up empty-handed that day Jesus will come and steal us away Where is the sting, tell me where is the bite When the grave robber comes like a thief in the night Where is the victory, where is the prize When the grave robber comes And death finally dies
Many still mourn and many still weep for those that they love who have fallen asleep, but we have this hope though our hearts may still ache Just one shout from above and they all will awake and in the reunion of joy we will see Death will be swallowed in sweet victory
When the last enemy is gone from the dust will come a song Those asleep will be awakened – not a one will be forsaken He shall wipe away our tears – He will steal away our fears There will be no sad tomorrow – there will be no pain and sorrow
Donations in Scherry’s honor may be made to the C3 Church Building Fund/ 7964 Chester Street, Wheelersburg, Ohio 45694.
Online condolences and memories may be shared at DWSwickFuneralHome.com
