On Wednesday, September 23, 2026, Jesus picked another flower. Sherry Gwinn Douglas, born February 8, 1961, passed from this life and began her next journey following a long illness. Her life was a testament to her faith, her devotion to God, and the love she had for her family and the many children whose lives she touched.
Sherry was the seventh child of Lloyd and Alice Simms. She graduated from Charleston High School in 1978, receiving her diploma one year ahead of her classmates. She continued her education by taking college courses and earning numerous certificates to better serve the children in her daycare.
After high school, Sherry attended beauty school, but her true calling was caring for children. Whether caring for children in childcare or in her own home, anyone who knew Sherry could see the genuine love and dedication she had for children and their development. In 1991, she opened her own childcare facility, Kid City Childcare, which later became Kid City Child Enrichment Center. Over the years, her center provided care and a loving environment for hundreds of children throughout the Kanawha Valley.
Sherry grew up attending Northside Church of the Nazarene and later attended Southeast Church of the Nazarene. Her love for children remained a passion throughout her life, and she faithfully served the children at both churches.
One of the greatest joys in Sherry’s life was her grandchildren. She had a very special relationship with each of them and spent as much time with them as she could. They would often stay with her for weeks at a time. Even when she was very sick, she always found time for them. Her love for her grandchildren was unwavering, and the memories they made with her will remain with them forever.
Sherry was preceded in death by her parents, Lloyd Russell Simms and Alice Lauverna Key Simms Jones; and Elmer Theodore, Sr. and Juanita Faulker; her sisters, Deborah “Debbie” Simms, Karen Fay Simms, Sandra “Sandy” Simms and Terry Lynn Simms; and her brothers, Roger Dale Simms, Russell Simms, and Elmer Theodore “Teddy” Faulkner, Jr.
She is survived by her loving companion, Dee Bishop, who remained faithfully by her side every single day; her children, Theodore “Tad” Douglas (Danielle), Heather Nichole Marsh (Jason), both of Charleston, WV and Roseanna “Cricket” Lambert (Steven) of Parkersburg; her sisters, Alana Taylor (Rob) of Charleston, WV, Bina Phillips (the late Wayne Phillips) of Oak Hill, WV, Kitty Faulkner (the late Teddy Faulker) of Beckley, WV, and Darlene Washington (Keith) of Alpharetta, GA; her grandchildren, Alexis Strickland, Evelyne Marsh, Rexanah “Rexee” Douglas-Hunter, Noah Douglas, Sean McGinnis, Colt Lambert, Opalmae Douglas, Riplee Marsh, Andrew Bishop, Christopher Coffman, Sierra Coffman, Lily Coffman, Travis Butler, Jr., Makayla Butler, Paxton Pauley, Savannah Pauley, Whitney Pauley, and Dillon Casto; and four great-grandkids, Kaden Coffman, Holden Butler, Amelia Bishop, and Ava Coffman and numerous other family members and friends who loved her dearly.
Sherry leaves behind a legacy of faith, love, service, and compassion. Her love for God, her family, and the children she cared for will continue to live on in the lives she touched.
Rest well, Sherry. Your work here is finished, and your next journey has begun.
A service will be held at 6pm, Saturday, October 3, 2026, at Hafer Funeral Home with Pastor Bart Hodel officiating.
Visitation will be from 4pm to 6pm at the funeral home.
Online condolences may be sent to haferfuneralhome.net
Arrangements are in the care of Hafer Funeral Home, 50 North Pinch Road, Elkview, WV 25071.
