Sheri Lyn Street, self-described rebel and gypsy, of Harrisburg, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on July 15, 2023 at the age of 58 at St. Bernards Medical Center in Jonesboro, after a year-long battle with terminal cancer.
Born September 13, 1964 in Louisa, Kentucky, to parents Margaret Ruth Waller and Wetzel Waller, she spent her childhood in Fort Gay, West Virginia, where she enjoyed simple country living, the beauty of nature, and befriending farm animals, from horses to chickens. At Fort Gay High School, she was proud to have run a four-hour-long, after-school radio program that featured weather, news, and music entertainment, supported by a popular open dedication line. She also sang on the Chorus Line, singing at and traveling to a number of competitions, while also cheering on the Fort Gay High School Cheerleading Squad. She was a charismatic and adventurous kid.
After moving to Ohio with her family in 1980, Sheri graduated from Brunswick High School in 1982. She was proud to have also graduated from the Hamrick School in Medina, Ohio, to become a Qualified Truck Driver. She also became a certified lift driver, both standup and sit-down—adding to her reputation as being one strong little lady, weighing in under 100 pounds for most of her life, but making up for her 5’2” stature in personality, humor and zeal.
As an adult, Sheri was quite the nomad, making her way to various towns in Ohio, Missouri, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, and Arkansas, the latter of which she resided in for the majority and remainder of her life.
Wherever she went, she always found interesting ways to get involved and contribute. Over her 30+ year career, she served in a variety of roles in the health care, business, retail, manufacturing, and service industries. She worked at St. Bernards Behavioral Health, St. Bernards Medical Center, Kroger, StarTek, L.A. Darling Store Fixtures, Chautauqua Airlines, Air Choice One Airlines, and O’Reilly Auto Parts.
Sheri was known by her friends and family as resilient, strong-willed, and even stubborn. Ever persistent and always a fighter, she beat the odds, living out her life expectancy after a stage-four lung cancer diagnosis in July 2022. She spent her final year reconnecting with old friends, visiting relatives, enjoying the company of her beloved dogs, and fighting the hard fight against her illness.
“I gave her the nickname Gypsy, because she moved a lot,” says her best friend Diane Eddings. “It didn’t matter if she was moving across town or across country, she could pack more stuff in her van than most people could put in a U-Haul truck. She was always ready for the next adventure. Sheri was a true friend, and I am so grateful for our friendship.”
Sheri’s mother Margaret Ruth Waller speaks to her devotion to God: “I loved my daughter with all my heart. I’m so happy she talked to the Lord each day. Her Bible was always lying by her side. RIP my dear little girl.”
Sheri’s brother Eugene Waller, at a loss for words, adds, “I will miss her. She is in a better place now.”
Others described her as loyal, strong, funny, compassionate, friendly, witty, a firecracker, a hard worker, and a true patriot. Meanwhile, others spoke of her generosity and kindness.
Colleague and friend Eddie Rodriguez comments: “She was a beautiful soul. Her presence could light up a room. She was smart and brave and had a gypsy heart. She would give the shirt off her back to anyone in need. If I ever needed any help, I could count on her. She would stop what she was doing and come to my aid.”
Sheri was preceded in death by her father Wetzel Waller.
She is survived by partner Teddy W. Stotts; mother Margaret Ruth Waller; brother Eugene Waller, his wife Sharon Waller, and his two kids, her nephews Derrick Waller and Eric Waller; three children Craig Devin Mayner and his wife Kara Mayner, Erica Danielle Swallow, and John David Clinton. She leaves behind eight grandchildren Kayla Mayner, Kiley Mayner, Keagan Mayner, Jilliana Clinton, Madison Clinton, Caleb Clinton, Andrea Clinton, and Remington Clinton.
Her kids, all of whom wish life could have been easier for her, share a few thoughts:
- Craig Devin Mayner: “I’m at a loss for words, and I don’t wish death upon anyone. Best of wishes up there, pain-free, and Godspeed.”
- Erica Danielle Swallow: “She taught me how to be and sheltered me from hardship as best she could. I’ll keep those lessons in mind as I navigate a life without her.”
- John David Swallow: “She was the best person I ever knew. I lost the only person who believed in me when I didn’t.”
Many relatives back in West Virginia, too, will miss Sheri, including Sharon Kay Kirk, whom she stayed close with throughout her life, as well as Randy Kirk, Kayla Kirk, Patricia Kincaid, Frank Kincaid, Gary Kincaid, Steven Kincaid, Aaron Kincaid, Rush Copley, and many others who loved her dearly.
Sheri is also survived by her two canine companions, 94-pound Rough Collie Teddy Arlo and 3-pound Yorkshire Terrier Kiara “Kiki” Rose. Sheri was an animal lover and once ran a “Christmas Dinner for Puppies and Kitties” fundraiser with her daughter to help the Northeast Arkansas Humane Society shelters feed its abandoned animals over the 2014 holiday season. The fundraiser was a success, resulting in 100 bags (2,950 pounds!) of dog and cat kibble being donated.
Sheri’s passion and effort toward the things she believed in will live on.
Her remains will be cremated and, per her wishes, scattered in a peaceful place near water. The family extends its deepest sorrows to those who feel her loss, and wishes Sheri—its beloved daughter, mother, grandma, aunt, and friend—a peaceful final resting.
