Obituary - Sherrie Covert Thorpe

Sherrie Covert Thorpe, 72, passed away peacefully in our home in Glen Allen, Virginia, on Christmas morning, December 25, 2022. She was preceded in death by her parents, George Bevier Covert and Virginia Emma Cuddeback Covert of Skaneateles, New York. She is survived by her husband, Douglas Thorpe; her daughters, Cherlayne “Layne” Nuckols (Jay) and Cherese “Nikki” May (Greg); three granddaughters, Cheyenne Nuckols, Vivienne Nuckols, and Summer May, all of the Richmond area. She is also survived by a brother, Levi Earl Covert and two nieces, Jennifer Covert and Julie Covert Kumpar, all Maryland residents. Sherrie also had numerous cousins, aunts, and uncles of whom she had many fond stories not only to remember but to tell as well.

Sherrie was born in Syracuse, New York on March 22, 1950. She was raised and enjoyed a childhood with extended family (most of whom lived within a mile along the same road) in a rural area between the towns of Skaneateles and Moravia, New York, near the shores of (and a beloved cabin on) Lake Skaneateles. She graduated from and was a cheerleader at Moravia High School, and then attended and graduated from Alfred State College. After graduation, she went to work at Rochester Telephone, starting a lifelong communications career with what eventually became Verizon. She transferred to Richmond in 1976 where, except for one year in Silver Spring, Maryland, she resided the rest of her life. Rising through the ranks to a Group Supervisor at Verizon, near and after her retirement, she also worked for Estee Lauder at Dillard’s in cosmetics, which she immensely enjoyed.

She had many hobbies and interests, but none came before her commitment to God, family, and work. Raised in the Dutch Reformed church, she was a member of and baptized at Hatcher Memorial Baptist Church and later in life attended Mount Vernon Baptist Church. Devoted to her daughters and husband, she always put their interests above her own. Although Alzheimer’s disease gradually stole her from us, she never allowed the disease to steal us from her. Until the very end, she met us with a tender smile and soft “I love you.” She will be missed deeply, but with the anticipation of a reunion soon with a restored Sherrie through the love and grace of our Lord.

Family will receive friends from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, January 3, 2023 at Bliley's, 8510 Staples Mill Road. Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, January 4, 2023 at the Mausoleum located behind Mount Vernon Baptist Church, 11220 Nuckols Road. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation.