If you deal in just facts, Sherry Pearson died two weeks ago at age 78 in Los Banos after being ill for a few months. Sherry was the successful, dynamic owner of Pearsons Jewelers, which she had run with her beloved husband Jim until his death seven years ago.
A long-time, well-respected and loved member of Los Banos, she was always very active in her community and often seen at special events. Being a Soroptimist seemed to be her true calling, and she not only served many times as the club’s president, but she also went on to be a popular Regional Director, then Governor and even was on the international board.
I could give you more facts about her work with the Los Banos Chamber of Commerce, and of course about how much she loved her two children, Eric Davenport and Tammy Kent and her grandchildren, but this is written by a friend and with comments by friends. So, Sherry, this one’s for you.
I met Sherry for the very first time when I moved to Los Banos about 35 years ago. We were both much younger then, of course.
Sherry and I are two months apart in age, her birthday being in December and mine in February. Sherry was working at Leightons Jewelers on I Street, and I just happened to walk in to browse. I was struck by her beauty and her charming manner, which she never lost.
Sherry was an impeccable dresser. I walked out thinking about how lovely she was and went on my way. In exploring my new community, I went inside every business, one by one. I hit the mother lode when I walked into Los Banos Flower Shop and met the amazing June Erreca.
June will always be Miss Soroptimist to me, and like Sherry, we ended up there. June claimed us both , and she became our mentor.
Both Sherry and I became multiple-time presidents and basked in her loving care. Sherry and I were in the club together for several decades. Sherry never left, while I moved away three years ago.
It still seems strange to remember the year that Sherry and Jim, and Ron and I bought season tickets for the Saroyan Theater in Fresno.
They were wonderful times with dinner beforehand in Fresno and then talking about the plays on the way home. We both spoke about how we would never want to live there. I have learned to be careful about saying what I will never do.
Of course, being in Soroptimist together meant attending numerous conventions all over, as well as workshops. Those weekends were informative, but also so much fun. I recall many late-night nights at these events, Rhoda Garcia, Sherry and I laughing away.
When I came up with the idea of having a Victorian Tea as a Soroptimist fundraiser, the three of us traveled all over the Central Valley together to visit and glean ideas from them to incorporate into ours.
Those were halcyon days. That whole time now, when I look back on them, seems truly golden.
Our husbands, Jim and Ron, were part of the brave group of men called Soroptimisters. These remarkable men all attended endless awards nights, dinners and fundraisers together. Ron and Jim liked each other; both had wonderful senses of humor. There were more than a few remarks made about having to walk ten feet behind us as they were “not worthy.”
When my Ron became ill and later died, the Soroptimist stepped up royally, and Sherry was there. Years later when Jim died, I remember going to see her and the look in her eyes I had seen in myself years before.
We spoke about being a widow was a club no one wanted to be in, and no one could understand when they were on the other side.
Before I turn this over to other Soroptimist friends, I have to speak for a moment about Sherry’s little love that was her constant companion, Sophia.
Everyone who followed her on Facebook had the pleasure of seeing frequent fashion updates of Sophia, who was indeed a little princess. No question, it was a reciprocal love fair.
Close friend and Soroptimist, Pauline Scoles, like so many of us, is still in shock over Sherry’s death. This is what she shared with me, “We were special friends for forty years. We traveled together with our hubby’s cruising and flew to different locations. We were, of course, in Soroptimist together, which means we saw each other a lot, going to so many functions.
“Sherry also focused on being more Soroptimist than just locally. Sherry and I were both involved in the Los Banos Chamber of Congress together over the years. Each year Sherry would hold an Open House at her business at Christmas time. Sherry was a very business-minded person. WE will all miss her terribly.”
Friend and fellow Soroptimist member, Diana Pfitzer, recalled, “I became acquainted with Sherry Pearson when I joined Soroptimist. She welcomed me and was always available for advice.
“Her commitment to Soroptimist was unmatched. Sherry was also a very smart businesswoman who kept Pearsons Jewelers operating after her husband Jim’s death. Sherry will be greatly missed.”
Good friend, and another very devoted Soroptimist and the club’s current president, Sandy Lemas, shared, “Sherry truly demonstrated the `Best for Women’ in all she did for Soroptimist. She served as president for four terms.
“Sherry made our club proud. She was inspirational to young girls in the Los Banos Community. Her business expertise and customer service skills made her a positive role model for all.”
Fellow Soroptimist, friend and employee, Helene Mitchell, spoke with great emotion about how much she respected Sherry as well as how much Sherry had benefited so many young women in Los Banos, saying, “Sherry was like a huge sign in Las Vegas with flashing neon lights saying Welcome Welcome.”
Helene said she was so proud to be able to get to know Sherry so well, which only enhanced her opinion of her, “This woman was resilient! Sherry had to fight to get where she reached and used all that as ammunition to keep growing and doing better. She always encouraged people to want more, to reach higher. You just have to believe in yourself. That is a true gift to give someone.”
Another large part of Sherry’s life was her faith and involvement in Saint Joseph’s Catholic Church. We both converted a few years apart and shared our spiritual journey. Whatever Sherry did in life, she put all of herself into it.
Sherry was filled with determination and was a fighter for whatever she believed in. That included Soroptimistim, her business, her family, friends, religion and of course, Sophia.
Since I heard of Sherry’s passing, my mind has been filled with snapshots of memories of what truly seemed a wonderful time, when we were thriving, had our beloved husbands with us and our future was stretched out before us.
I have always believed that a form of immortality is how we remain in people’s memories and hearts. So, I am secure in knowing that Sherry will be immortal.
