Sheryl Elaine Melton, aged 68, passed away on May 26, 2020, in Leesburg, VA. Her journey concluded due to complications from Renal Failure and COVID-19. Born to Rose A. Morris Abernathy and Joseph V. Abernathy on June 12, 1951, in Kokomo, IN, Sheryl's life was a vibrant tapestry of experiences and passions.

Sheryl's childhood, enriched by her time as a military child in the U.S. and Japan, was filled with unique adventures. Her tales from Japan in the 1960s - like the mischievous purchase of an unexploded grenade for use as a baseball, much to the alarm of the base's Explosive Ordnance Disposal team who promptly confiscated and safely detonated it, and the unforgettable night when tiny green frogs she smuggled home turned the house upside down - added color and laughter to her storytelling.

A proud 1969 alumna of Glendale High School in Glendale, AZ, Sheryl's commitment to education and the environment was unwavering. She earned two Associate degrees, including one in Early Childhood Development, and pursued a Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Management. Her innate talent for botany shone through her dedication to nurturing plants, bringing back to life those she rescued from local nurseries.

Sheryl's professional journey was diverse, spanning roles from a mainframe operator to a hearing aid technician. However, her tenure as a teacher for Head Start was closest to her heart. Sharing her love for the environment and instilling a passion for learning in young children was her true joy.

Survived by her two sons, Joseph Melton of Topeka, KS, and Kenneth (and Krystal) Melton of Aldie, VA, Sheryl leaves behind a legacy of love, learning, and the beauty of nature. She was predeceased by her beloved husband Tucker, her parents, and her sister Vicky.

In honoring Sheryl's journey, cremation was accorded. She was laid to rest in Ridgecrest, CA, alongside her cherished husband, Tucker. A small, private service was held during the pandemic to celebrate her life and her profound impact on those she touched.

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