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**Obituary for Sherry Elaine Smith**

Sherry Elaine Smith, age 72, passed away on December 31, 2025. She was born on November 20, 1953 to Charles and Betty Painter Shepherd. She was a graduate of North Harford High School and spent most of her life in Bel Air, Maryland.

Sherry committed her life to serving others. She worked at Harford Day School, where she cared for young children with energy, warmth, and a quiet steadiness. In her later years, she worked as a cashier at Redner's Grocery Story in Hickory, where she took pride in the relationships she built with colleagues and her regular customers.

Sherry had a curious and energetic disposition that drew her toward hands-on, creative pursuits. She was skilled in a range of crafts, including sewing, painting, and woodworking, and took pride in learning how to do things for herself. She had a deep love for animals and was rarely without one nearby. Over the years, this included horses, dogs, and cats, all of which were a central presence in her life. That love and concern for animals led her to work as a veterinary assistant for a time. She also loved being outdoors, riding horses, working in her yard, and driving her yellow Jeep Wrangler.

She is survived by her four sons: Phillip and wife Heather of Mobile, AL, Brian and wife Susan of Bel Air, MD, Christopher and wife Ida of Copenhagen, Denmark, and Daniel and wife Haley of San Ramon, CA. Additionally, she is survived by her grandchildren Alexander, Colton, Savannah, Eliza, Emerson, Chloe, and Quinn, and her brother, Charles "Chuck" Shepherd.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles Shepherd and Betty Lou Painter Shepherd, and her sister, Patricia Dailey.

Those who knew Sherry will remember her as someone who showed care through action more than words, and whose life was defined by looking after others, people and animals alike.

A viewing will be held on Wednesday, January 7, 2026 from 6-8 PM, at Zellman Funeral Home, P.A., 927 Pulaski Highway, Havre de Grace, MD. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at 11 AM, at the funeral home. Attendees are invited to share their memories and pay their respects as we come together to honor her beautiful journey.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her memory to Humane Society of Harford County, 2208 Connolly Road, Fallston, MD 21047.