Sherry Smith, who worked as a custodian at the College for more than 20 years, died Oct. 10 at the age of 56. A resident of Mount Vernon, she had been part of the maintenance department since 2000.
Born April 17, 1968, in Mount Vernon to Stanley Edward Knox and Helen Jane Sherrill, Smith was one of the College’s most experienced custodians.
“She was very well-liked and respected by everyone on our housekeeping staff as well as the maintenance department,” said Tom Pfleiderer, assistant manager of facilities services.
Known for her positive attitude and love of people, Smith enjoyed working at the College and interacting with students, according to her son Cole Knuckles, who also works at Kenyon as a custodian.
“She was proud of her work, and she worked very hard at what she did,” he said.
Working with her at the College was a special experience, Knuckles said.
“I loved working with my mom,” he said. “It was awesome. We always had a good time. We always got our work done, and it didn’t even feel like we were at work.”
Smith was regarded as a great cook whose signature dishes included pumpkin bars, zucchini bread, pumpkin pie and “some of the best apple pie you will ever have in your life,” her son said.
She was a nurturing parent who loved kids and called herself “the young ‘hip’ granny.” Living on a farm, she also treasured spending time with animals — horses, chickens, dogs and cats, Knuckles said.
“She was probably one of the most wonderful people that you would ever come in contact with,” he said.
Smith is survived by her husband, Tom Smith; children Ashley Ryan (Eddie) Kean, Matthew C. Smith and Cole Knuckles; her sister Cindy (David) Waite; and one grandson.
A celebration of Smith’s life will take place Oct. 26 at Community Christian Fellowship, 23436 Newcastle Road in Gambier. Doors open at 10 a.m. with a service following at 11 a.m.