Sherrill Whitten

Sherrill Martin Whitten, 70, of Spartanburg, South Carolina, went home to be with the Lord, on May 8, 2025. Born on May 30, 1954, in Charleston, West Virginia, to her parents, Buford Kenneth Martin and Mary Ann Wilson Martin.

Sherrie earned her master's degree in speech therapy and dedicated her professional life to working within the education system. Her commitment to helping others communicate more fluently reflected her deep care for people and her belief in the power of connection.

Beyond her career, Sherrie was a passionate advocate for environmental stewardship. She was a founding member of Friends of Jocassee and served proudly as both President and Secretary. Her leadership helped shape the organization's mission and impact, leaving a lasting legacy in the preservation of one of South Carolina's most treasured natural areas.

A woman of faith, Sherrie was a member of First Baptist Church since she moved to Spartanburg 48 years ago. It was there on the church steps that she met Dan. She spent many years serving in missions as a "Mountain Mama" and discipleship group leader. She accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior, and she was confident that she would be in her heavenly home with Jesus when her cancer journey ended.

Creativity flowed through every part of Sherrie's life. As the proud owner of Sew Much Fun, she brought joy to countless families by crafting unique t-shirt quilts for high school and college graduates. These quilts—made from cherished shirts collected throughout childhood—were more than keepsakes; they were tangible expressions of memory and love.

Sherrie also found joy in the simple beauty of nature. She found pleasure in watching the wildlife in her backyard, finding peace and wonder in God's creation, especially in the last weeks of her life.

She is survived by her beloved husband of 42 years, Clifford "Dan" Whitten; daughters Ali Von Hofe (Lee) and Perry Houghton (Charles-future, Ryan-former); grandchildren Broden Houghton, Eli Houghton, Adrianna Von Hofe, Owen Von Hofe, and Greta Von Hofe; and sister Kim Martin Albert (Jim). She was preceded in death by her parents and her son, Zachary Martin Whitten.

Sherrie's life touched many through her work, faith, creativity, and love for family. She would say if she were here, "Keep looking up, and always find something to be grateful for."

She never wanted others to dwell in grief, but to live life to the fullest, just as she did.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Sherrie's name to www.friendsofjocassee.org for a memorial bench.