I thought is was cool that we had a local celebrity living around the corner from us. Amy and I had just moved into our new house and the celebrity was WLBT anchor Sherri Hilton. She and her husband Ken soon moved into a new, much nicer home in a swankier neighborhood (not because I moved in) but I got to know Sherri personally and professionally. I always admired her smile and laugh. Life’s too short not to have a great smile and a hearty laugh.
And yes, life is too short. I found out yesterday from a friend that Sherri had suddenly passed away. She was a very young 55.
Sherri was ahead of the curve when it came to reinvention (something so many of us in the media are experiencing these days). She left television and became a successful business owner, a leader in the community and then transitioned again over to working in state government. I always enjoyed seeing her when she came into my Supertalk show with Treasurer Lynn Fitch. Sherri lit up the studio.
When I began my own transition, Sherri gave me good advice and encouraged me. When I saw her this summer at the Neshoba County Fair, I saw her smile from across Founder’s Square. That smile is gone now and the world seems a little less bright without it. And I have to admit, her sudden death has rattled me. Fifty five is young. Very young. Her loss is another cruel reminder that life is indeed short and there are no guarantees.
My prayers go out to everyone who knew and loved Sherri. And to Ken. I can’t imagine the pain he feels right now.
Carpe diem, folks. This is all we got.
I cannot make myself believe Sherri is really gone.
She was loved and adored by so many. We have all lost a great caring friend. She was always building others up. Her influence made us all strive to be better. Prayers to her family and friends.
The light in this world is a little dimmer with our loss of such a beautiful soul. I am sorry for all who did not have the privilege of knowing my beautiful friend personally. Fly high sistah and watch over us. I am broken hearted but will see you on the other side. Rip.
She was the best in the business in helping the press. She left way too soon. May Creator hold her close.