Sherry Sanders Grooms

Sherry Sanders Grooms, 79, passed peacefully at her Chapel Hill cottage on Friday, October 30th, 2026, surrounded by family. 

Sherry was born on February 18th, 1947, in Raleigh, NC, to Helen and Willis Sanders. 

Education: Sherry attended Enloe High School in Raleigh, then Mitchell’s Beauty School in downtown Raleigh, followed by a degree in Interior Design from John Robert Powers in the early 80s. 

Activities: In Junior High School at Hugh Morson in Raleigh, NC, she was president of her 9th grade class and part of the cheerleading and tap line teams. In High School, at Enloe, she was a cheerleader.

 For 2 decades in Raleigh, starting in the 60s, Sherry was a well-known and loved hairdresser, then took several years off in the 70s to be a stay-at-home mom. In the early 80s, until she retired in 2018, she pursued her lifelong passion as an interior designer, working with many custom builders to design popular neighborhood model homes and larger projects like Senior Living Centers in Raleigh; she later moved to Charlotte, where she enjoyed helping many clients redecorate their personal homes. Through both careers, many of her clients became lifelong friends. 

Family & Personal Life 

Sherry’s first marriage was to Bill Fuller, also born and raised in Raleigh. They were married from May 1963 through 1974 and had Tracy Fuller Wright in 1969. Sherry married Tommy Grooms of Fayetteville, NC, in May 1979. Sherry gained two wonderful step-sons, Kevin and Josh Grooms.

 Sherry’s hobbies included sewing, cooking, tennis, and bridge; she also had a green thumb and loved music and bird-watching. She was never a great swimmer, but loved boating with her family and sitting on the beach. She was happiest with her loved ones and the sun shining on her face.

 She was always a follower of Christ and, growing up, attended Temple Baptist Church in Raleigh. She and Bill were married at her parents' home by reverend Bill Mills of Temple Baptist Church. Sherry later became a member of Benson Memorial United Methodist Church, where pastor Brian Gentle married her to Tommy. Later, Sherry and family became members of North Raleigh United Methodist Church, where they served as youth group counselors and headed up many other fun service projects for the church. 

Sherry had a great laugh, contagious smile, and deep love for her people and animals. Family and friends meant everything to her. She had a very special bond with babies, children, and animals- even ones she didn’t know would be drawn to her instantly. She loved reading to us during our many family trips to the beaches or mountains, and Josh especially loved being in her lap while she read. 

Family Members 

Sherry is survived by her daughter Tracy Wright, married to David Wright, who reside in Chapel Hill, step-son Kevin Grooms, married to Laura Grooms, who reside on Sullivan’s Island, sister Gwynne Reed, married to Tom Reed, who reside in Chapel Hill, grandchildren:Tucker Wright of Raleigh, Caroline Wright of Leland, Aubrey Leigh Grooms of Charleston, and Holden Grooms of Charleston. nephew Jason Reed, married to Rebecca Reed, who reside in Pittsboro, great-nephew Carter Reed of Pittsboro, great-nieces Ashlyn and Evie Reed of Pittsboro.

 Sherry was preceded in death by her parents, Helen and Willis Sanders, and stepson Josh Grooms. 

Service & Memorial Details Sherry’s Celebration of Life Service will be held at Christ United Methodist Church at 800 Market St., Chapel Hill, on Saturday, November 14th at 4 pm. Family and friends may arrive at 3 pm for a pre-service reception. Following the service, all are invited to gather at the 411 West Italian Cafe in Chapel Hill, on Franklin Street. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the American Diabetes Association at https://American Diabetes Association/?form=Donate or Transitions LifeCare at https:// transitionslifecare.org/donate