Sherry Ann French

Sherry Ann French, 74, passed away, Thursday, November 14, 2024 in Phoenix, Arizona. She was born January 11, 1950 in Carmel New York, the daughter of George Edwin Lockwood and Ida Mae Thompkins.

Sherry grew up in New York, graduating from Carmel High School in 1968. After high school, she became certified as a cosmetologist. Shortly after, in 1969, she married David French, Sr. They moved to Tucson, Arizona where David continued his service in the United States Air Force. They have 2 children, Tammi-Jo Wilkins and David George French, Jr.

Sherry was an amazing cook, baker and lover of crafts. Her biggest love was for children. Sherry spent many years of her life helping raise and look after over 25 children to which she loved as her own. Sherry also had a passion for photography that continued throughout her life. She had written several children’s books and even had a few published. After her husband retired from the Tucson Police Dept., Sherry and David moved to Nutrioso, Arizona. They built 3 cabins in the woods, where they lived. Sherry became the reading lady at the Alpine Library for the Alpine Elementary School. She loved being the reading lady for so many children. She had 7 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild. She helped raise her great-grandchild and one of her granddaughters until her untimely passing.

Sherry was the foundation for her family and leaves behind her husband of 55 years, David French, Sr., daughter, Tammi-Jo (Lane) Wilkins, son, David French, Jr., 7 grandchildren, Sheyenne (Trenton) Lemons, Anthony (Grace) French, Hannah Anders, Colton French, Katelynn Sisler, Luke Wilkins, Aria French and great-grandson, Thomas French.

Sherry was a cherished and beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend to so many others. She will be forever honored and missed. The heavens received an amazing angel. Only time and tears take away grief; that is what they are for. “So it is true, when all is said and done, grief is the price we pay for love. I will not say do not weep, for not all tears are evil. The weird, weird thing about a devastating loss is that life does go on and we must cherish the memories for life.”

The family will hold a Celebration of Life ceremony, Saturday, January 11, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at the Alpine Community Center in Alpine, Arizona. Even though Sherry had such a love for flowers, in lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to the Alpine Fire District Christmas Toy Drive.