Wilma M. Sherrill
Wilma M. Sherrill | |
|---|---|
| Member of the North Carolina House of Representatives | |
| In office January 1, 1995 – January 1, 2007 Serving with
| |
| Preceded by | Marie Colton |
| Succeeded by | Charles Thomas |
| Constituency |
|
| Commissioner of the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles | |
| In office 1990–1991 | |
| Governor | James G. Martin |
| Preceded by | William S. Hiatt |
| Succeeded by | Bob Hodges |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Wilma Money August 9, 1939 |
| Died | December 18, 2025 (aged 86) |
| Party | Republican |
| Spouse | Jerry Sherrill |
| Children | Jill S. Goins |
| Education | Wake Forest University |
| Occupation | Politician, booster |
Wilma Money Sherrill (August 9, 1939 – December 18, 2025) was an American businesswoman and politician who was the Republican member of the North Carolina General Assembly[1] from 1995 to 2006, representing the state's 51st and 116th districts, including constituents in Buncombe county.[2]
Early life and education
Wilma Money was born in Yadkin County, North Carolina, to William Hardy and Mozell Johnson Money. She graduated from West Yadkin High School and attended Elkin Business College and Wake Forest University.[2] In 1966, she married Jerry Sherrill, with whom she had a daughter.[3]
Career
Sherrill began her long career as a businesswoman in 1967 when she moved with her husband to Asheville, North Carolina.[3]
From 1985 to 1990, she worked as patronage chief in Governor James G. Martin's office.[4]
From 1990 to 1991, she served as the commissioner of the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles.[4][5][6]
Sherrill was elected to the North Carolina General Assembly assembly in 1994 and completed her sixth consecutive term in 2006. Major focuses during her tenure in office were education and domestic violence prevention.[4]
One of Sherrill's most lasting accomplishments in the Assembly was shepherding into law the 1997-98 session NC House Bill 769,[7] which provided funding for a new building at UNC Asheville that was subsequently named in her honor. The Wilma M. Sherrill Center houses the Health Sciences Department, the N.C. Center for Health and Wellness, and the Kimmel Arena. Sherrill served as a member of the Board of Trustees of the University of North Carolina at Asheville for nine years, on the Bulldog Athletic Association for over ten years, and for two years (2008-2009) as UNC Asheville’s Special Assistant to the Chancellor on External Affairs, among other positions in support of the university.[8][9]
Death
Sherrill died in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, on December 18, 2025, at the age of 86. A memorial service is scheduled in the Wilma M. Sherrill Center at the University of North Carolina at Asheville.[3][9]
References
- ^ Barrett, Mark (November 3, 2004). "Sherrill and Goforth and Fisher Easily Win N.C. House Seats". Asheville Citizen. p. C8. Archived from the original on November 6, 2012. Retrieved March 31, 2011.
- ^ a b "Wilma M. Sherrill," North Carolina manual [serial], p. 557. 1916. Vol. 2003-2004. Identifier northcarolinaman20032004nort, External-identifier urn:oclc:record:436873840. UNC, Chapel Hill. State of North Carolina. Internet Archive. Retrieved December 21, 2025.
- ^ a b c "Wilma M. Sherrill," obituary. Gentry Family Funeral Service, Dec. 18, 2025. Retrieved Dec. 20, 2025.
- ^ a b c Staff writer. "N.C. General Assembly Roundup," Wilmington StarNews, July 15, 2006. Retrieved December 21, 2025.
- ^ Fitzsimon, Chris." (Also attributed to Gary D. Robertson, Associated Press Writer.) Sherrill says she’s not running for new N.C. House term", NC Newsline, February 28, 2006. Retrieved December 21, 2025.
- ^ "Choice available. The Times-News (Hendersonville, NC), March 8, 1991. Retrieved December 21, 2025.
- ^ House Bill 769 (1997-1998 Session), North Carolina General Assembly. Retrieved December 20, 2025.
- ^ "Wilma M. Sherrill Center," UNC at Asheville. Retrieved December 21, 2015.
- ^ a b "UNC Asheville Mourns the Passing of Long-Time Supporter, Representative Wilma M. Sherrill". News And Events | UNC Asheville. Retrieved December 21, 2025.