Sherri Anne Winkler
Sherri Anne Winkler, an accomplished journalist, devoted animal advocate, and beloved daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend, passed away on February 12, 2025, in Vinton, Virginia.
Born in Radford, Va., on January 29, 1964, Sherri was an early achiever in every sense. She walked, talked, read, and threw a ball well ahead of schedule. As a young child, she frequently rode her spring-loaded rocking horse with such fearless abandon that it foreshadowed both her athleticism and a fair share of broken bones in her teen years.
This insatiable curiosity and drive propelled her through high school, where she excelled both academically and athletically. After graduating from Radford High School in 1982, she channeled her passion for storytelling into a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and Journalism at Ferrum College. She also earned a Master of Science in Corporate and Professional Communications from Radford University in 1991.
Over decades in print journalism, publication management, and freelance photography, Sherri built a reputation for her sharp editorial instincts and unerring eye for detail. She set high standards, both for herself and for her colleagues. Among her passions was a well-crafted obituary; among her greatest pet peeves was one riddled with errors. (We can only hope this one passes muster.)
Her dedication to journalism earned awards from the Nevada Press Association and the Virginia Press Association, but for Sherri, good reporting wasn’t about recognition, it was about getting the story right.
Beyond the newsroom, Sherri lived with purpose and joy. She loved music, movies, literature, and gardening. A voracious reader, she cherished the feel of a real book in her hands and delighted in stories about strong southern female protagonists.
She found solace in nature, especially the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains, splendid Lake Tahoe, and beautiful St. Simons Island. No place captivated her like Northern California, especially the San Francisco area. A devoted San Francisco Giants fan, she also took great pleasure in fantasy baseball. Her beloved brother-in-law and his family, with whom she played in a long-standing fantasy baseball league, will keep her team going this season in her honor—a tribute she would no doubt appreciate, especially if they manage to win.
Sherri poured her love into the people around her. She fiercely cared for her elders, tending to several family members in their later years. That same generosity extended to her chosen family of friends, whom she lovingly fed and nurtured.
Her compassion extended to all creatures great and small. Her devotion to animal welfare began with her first dog, Puddin, and continued throughout her life. She tirelessly supported rescue organizations and took in many a four-legged wanderer.
She is survived by her dear mother, Anne Louise Dyer; her cherished siblings, Ashley Louise Winkler (Dan Hankins) and Jefferson Cook Winkler; and her darling niece, Clara Louise Hankins. In addition, her memory is treasured by extended family, and a wide circle of devoted friends. She is deeply loved and missed beyond measure.
She was predeceased by her father Jerry Darnell Winkler, and her grandparents, Raymond and Clara Dyer, and Bert and Virginia Winkler and treasured aunts, uncles, and cousins.
To honor Sherri’s legacy, her loved ones ask that you live as she did: with radical kindness, fierce loyalty, and an ever-expanding heart for animals, people, and the wild beauty of the natural world. Laugh often. Read real books. Listen to some Stevie Nicks. Catch some live music. Cheer for the underdog. And, most of all, extend a hand to those in need.
In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to honor Sherri’s lifelong devotion to animals and nature by donating to Angels of Assisi or the Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke.
Online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting www.johnmoakey.com.
