Shirley Joyce O'Connor

Shirley "Sherrie" (Jenkins) O'Connor passed away on October 21st, 2025, at the Johnson City Medical Center after a lengthy illness. She was born in Bluff City, Tennessee on December 18th, 1940, to Clifton and Dorothy Jenkins.

Sherrie grew up in the Chinquapin Grove community, she was a member of Chinquapin Grove Baptist Church, and graduated from Bluff City High School.

In the 1980s, Sherrie moved to Florida, where she became a successful retail business owner. Her loyal customers appreciated her eye for resort wear and boutique clothing. During her time in Florida, she met and married her best friend, Jeremiah "Jerry" O'Connor. Together, they enjoyed the coastal life, the beach, and boating. After Jerry's passing in 1998, Sherrie remained in Florida for ten more years before returning to Tennessee.

Back home, she renewed friendships with her high school classmates, who remember her as a kind and special person. She cherished time spent with her friends and her beloved Shih Tzus, She' and Tucker, Sherrie also enjoyed growing flowers and, especially, tomatoes.

Sherrie was preceded in death by her husband and her parents. She is survived by her close friends, Brenda Pearce and Lois Houck; her brother, Charles Jenkins; and her niece, Gail (Jenkins) Underwood.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made in Sherrie's name to the Chinquapin Grove Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, the American Cancer Society, or any organization dedicated to improving the lives of others.

A Graveside Service will be held in the Chinquapin Grove Baptist Church Cemetery, and will be announced at a later date.