Sherrill Starnes Dale went to be with her Heavenly Father on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, following a long battle with Alzheimer's disease. She passed away at home surrounded by the loving family she  devoted her life to, and we rejoice that she is now fully healed and in the presence of her Savior.

Born on September 20, 1944, to Davis Newton Starnes and Ruby Campbell Starnes, Sherrill grew up in the small town of Pattison, Mississippi. She graduated from Port Gibson High School in 1962. It was during these years that she met the love of her life, Leon Lum Dale, when she was in the 10th grade and he in the 9th. Their courtship continued through high school and college, leading to their marriage on September 10, 1967. Family stories recall Leon hitchhiking between Starkville and Columbus while Sherrill attended Mississippi State College for Women and he attended Mississippi State University, determined to spend time together. After completing her studies at "The W," Sherrill went on to receive her degree as a Registered Medical Technologist from The University Medical Center in Jackson.

As newlyweds, Leon entered veterinary school at Auburn University while Sherrill worked on campus, teaching clinical pathology labs to veterinary students—including Leon himself. She would laugh telling the story of having him as one of her students. After Leon's graduation in 1970, the couple returned to Jackson, where Leon joined Briarwood Animal Hospital as a partner, and Sherrill worked at St. Dominic Hospital until the birth of their first child in 1972.

Sherrill's sweet spirit and servant's heart were evident in every role she filled. She treasured her years as a homemaker, lovingly caring for her husband and children. However, her most cherished title was "Mimi" to her grandchildren. She was their constant supporter, rarely missing a sporting event, school play, recital, or Grandparents' Day.

Above all, Sherrill loved the Lord with all her heart and faithfully passed that love on to her children and grandchildren. She was a longtime member of Christ United Methodist Church (now known as Christ United Jackson) and participated in Explorer's Bible Study.

Sherrill was preceded in death by her parents; her grandson, Campbell Grady Dale; and her brother, Bartlett Campbell Starnes. She is survived by her devoted husband of 57 years, Dr. Leon Dale; her children, Holly Dale McMullan (Mart) and Dr. David Leon Dale (Jill); her grandchildren: William Robert Seymour, Avery Lum Dale, Stella Grace Dale, Connor Mart McMullan, and Samuel Lee McMullan; and her brother, Davis Newton Starnes (Lynn).

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to the caregivers at Amada Senior Care, and especially to Mechelle, Lisa, Jeane, Sandra and Bobbie for your devoted care of Sherrill over the past five years.

Visitation will be held Thursday, July 24 from 10:30-12pm at Christ United Jackson, followed by a graveside service at 3:00pm in Wintergreen Cemetery in Port Gibson. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Campbell Bulldog Fund or The Mind Center.