Sherrie Lynn Knight

Danville – Sherrie Lynn Knight, 68, of Danville passed away on Sunday, May 10, 2026. She was born on August 18, 1957, to James D. and Carole (Schult) Knight.

She was a much-loved sister to Jamie (Gary) Lindley, J.D. Knight, Laurie (Phil) Bernardi, and Darcie (Matt) Lunsford. She was also known as “Aunt Sherrie” to Kate (Blake) Bennett, Kameron Bernardi, Sam (Leslie) Bernardi, as well as to Simon, Miles, and Walt Lunsford. Additionally, she was recognized as “Great-Aunt Sherrie” to Elijah Dean and Abraham David Bennett, Vinny and Sullivan Bernardi.

Sherrie was also blessed to have many other special people in her life. Her grandmother, Frances Schult, taught her many things, including her love of puzzles.

She also shared a close bond with her Uncle Wayne and Aunt Betty – or, as Sherrie called them “Unc” and “Bette”.

Aunt Betty gave Sherrie the nickname “Tinkerbell”. The two were nearly inseparable, and with all the daily trips back and forth between their houses, they probably came close to wearing a groove in the street.

After the passing of Sherrie’s mother, Bonnie Ohlrich came into her life, and our family could not have asked for a better person. Bonnie had the patience of a Job, and along the way, Sherrie taught her a few memorable words we are sure she will never forget.

Each of them held a very special place in Sherrie’s heart.

Growing up, Sherrie was the neighborhood social butterfly. Within nearly a two-block radius, there wasn’t a neighbor she didn’t know – and who didn’t know her- right down to their pet’s names. Dogs, of course, were her personal favorite. Every day, she would “make her rounds,” stopping by to visit, catch up and make sure everyone was doing okay.

Sherrie was sweet, but let’s be clear – she was not your “honey”. If you ever thought about calling Sherrie “honey,” that was your first mistake. She would waste no time correcting you with a firm, “Don’t call me, honey!” After that, you either learned your lesson or chose to live dangerously.

Sherrie had plenty of ways to keep herself busy. She loved spending time on the porch with her family, making hooked rugs, doing crossword and word search puzzles, and working on picture puzzles.

Watching TV was also one of Sherrie’s favorite pastimes. She loved all the classic shows – far too many to list – but especially enjoyed The Six Million Dollar Man, The Bionic Woman, Emergency!, Wheel of Fortune, and Jeopardy! Her memory was incredible; she could remember not only the characters’ names but countless shows, but also the actors who played them. She also had quite the impressive TV collection of TV Guides – because apparently, being a walking television encyclopedia still required backup materials.

Sherrie loved all kinds of music, but especially ‘80s New Wave, with The Thompson Twins holding the top spot as her all-time favorite band. And if you were anywhere nearby, you knew it too – because there wasn’t a speaker, stereo, or sound system on earth she couldn’t successfully sing over.

Holidays were always a highlight for Sherrie. Whether it was pulling off a clever April Fools’ Day joke, or hunting for Easter eggs, or dressing up for Halloween, she was all in. And while many people dread getting older, Sherrie proudly counted down the days until her next Birthday and had no problem celebrating her age – probably because she expected everyone else to celebrate it too.

Thanksgiving was definitely one of her favorites, although she wasn’t exactly bound by tradition. Turkey simply would not do – it had to be chicken, or at least what Sherrie was willing to believe was chicken. Broccoli-cheese casserole was a must for Thanksgiving dinner, and she loved finishing the meal with a slice of cherry pie.

One of the most special things about Sherrie was that she never lost the magic of Christmas. She loved the lights, the traditions, the excitement, and, of course, getting presents- because let’s be honest, that part never stopped being important.

Sherrie’s favorite color was green, while some people collected every version of a certain item, Sherrie just collected green. So, if you were picking out a gift for her, if it came in green, that had better be the one you picked.

Sherrie also enjoyed the simple things in life: York Peppermint Patties, 3 Musketeers, Payday candy bars, butterscotch sundaes, or milkshakes from the Dairy Queen, cashews, a plain double cheeseburger, and, most importantly, a nice cold Cherry Pepsi – because some things really are essential.

Sherrie also attended Crosspoint Human Services from 2004 to 2023, and while she enjoyed it, she often called it going “back to the grind”. Sherrie was preceded in death by her mother and father.

Sherrie took great pride in being a registered organ and tissue donor, and it brought her comfort knowing she would be able to help someone in need.

A private family service will be held, followed by burial at Sunset Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Shriners Children’s Hospital or Swann Special Care, 109 Kenwood Drive, Champaign, IL. Or, if you really want to honor Sherrie properly, grab a double cheeseburger and an icy cold Cherry Pepsi and enjoy it in her memory. She would absolutely approve – and probably ask why you didn’t get her one too.

Sherrie will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever associated with the color green, loud singing, neighborhood visits and classic TV, Bette, Kiss Bow Wow goodnight.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 3940 N. Vermilion St., Danville, IL 61834.

Please join Sherri’s family by sharing photos, memories, and videos on her Tribute Wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.