Sheryl "Sherry" Lee (Lunsford) Gilbert

Sheryl Lee Lunsford Gilbert

Sheryl “Sherry” Gilbert, 78, passed away on February 6, 2025, in Asheville, North Carolina, after her battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

Born December 8, 1946 in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico to parents James E. Lunsford and Joyce D. Lunsford, Sherry was the beloved wife of the late John “Jack” Gilbert for 49 years, and the loving mother of Alyssa and Kelsey Gilbert. She is survived by her four siblings: Karol “Lynn” Davenport (Michael), James D. Lunsford (Sharon), Jon E. Lunsford, and Melody Lunsford.

Sherry and her siblings were raised all over the world, due to their father often relocating with the Air Force. She spent her high school years in Delray Beach, Florida, and graduated from Florida State University with a BS in Nursing. She moved to Miami and worked in obstetrics and later, the operating department. She then served as a flight nurse with the U.S. Air Force, before returning to the public sector, this time in the emergency department.

During her time as a nurse, she never stopped learning. From Emergency Nursing programs, to FIU for her MS degree in Business, to the American Institute of Medical Law’s Risk Management program, she was dedicated to her continuing education, for the betterment of her patients.

Her career and love of helping those in need took her to the Risk Management department, where she became an even bigger advocate for patients and the hospitals serving them. For many, this is how people knew Sherry: hard-working, but always kind and loving, and always looking out for others.

After retirement, Sherry and Jack moved north to their dream home in Palm Coast, Florida. They spent their time together playing tennis, attending social gatherings, and going on cruises. Sherry loved her MahJong games with friends and volunteering as a hospice nurse. Even in retirement, she found ways to show up for others.

After Jack passed away in 2021, Sherry moved to Asheville, where her daughter Kelsey and daughter-in-law Megan live. She always made you feel like the most important person in the world, smiling and waving as if she’s known you her whole life. She had a sense of humor that could not be stifled, not even by Alzheimer’s. Her loving smile, infectious laugh, and heart of gold will be remembered by all who had the honor of knowing her.

A memorial service will be held in Palm Coast this Spring. Please contact Kelsey if you would like to join; all are welcome.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Her heart was full, even when her mind could not remember.

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