Sheryl Ann Smith was born October 2, 1951, in Battle Creek, MI to John A. and Mary E. Smith. She had two siblings, brother Steven and her late brother Allen. Sheryl passed away on December 28, 2024, and will be missed by her family.

Sheryl met the love of her life, Archie Lake, in 1990 at Gregory's in Lansing, MI. They lived together for a decade before marrying at their Lansing home off the Grand River surrounded by friends and family. That's where they shared more than 24 years of marriage. Sheryl made their house a home as their family grew and more memories were created. Every wall was covered in art, family pictures, and vibrant colors.

Sheryl received her associate's degree from Lansing Community College and her bachelor's and master's degrees at Michigan State University. She worked for the Lansing School District in the administrative offices before working as a school social worker for over twenty years. She connected with everyone in the district and considered them family. Everyone knew when Sheryl was in the house. She was loud, full of laughter, and enjoyed being present when she was working. She told her husband she loved her job and looked forward to going. Not only did she connect with staff, but she enjoyed connecting with the students and families she worked with. Sheryl worked as an outpatient therapist after retirement. She never turned a client away even if they were unable to pay. Sheryl volunteered to lead Lansing's region of The Michigan School Social Workers Association. She enjoyed networking, the legislative work, and planning the state's annual conference.

Sheryl loved her home in Lansing, which was a short walk from the art scene in the capital city. She enjoyed walking around her neighborhood, attending the annual Jazz Fest in Old Town, and caring for the flowers in her garden. She loved spending time with her family and fur babies, playing Uno, and going out to eat. She had the biggest sweet tooth and always looked forward to making desserts for Christmas.

Sheryl's memory is cherished by: her husband, Archie Lake; his three daughters, Elizabeth (Dustin) Hall, Erica (Jamie) Jordan, and Alicia (Mark) Jones; grandchildren, Arielle (Clarence) Carter, Kiyerra (Jordan Kopp) Lake, Jaylen (Josi) Morgan, Taylor (Terrance) Brinston, Avore Jordan, Javeon Jordan, Addison Jordan, Milani Hall, Monet Hall, and Alora Hall; brother, Steven (Janice) Smith; his children, Justin (Annette) Smith, Jessica (Anuji) Juneja, and Samantha (William) Trewhella. She will also be remembered by her great-grandchildren, great-grandnieces and  grandnephews, and god-children.

We will miss her dearly, but are grateful for the laughs, the memories created, and the time we had to spend with her.

Services for Mrs. Smith are as follows:

To watch the livestream of Mrs. Smith's funeral service please click this link: https://livestream.funeralscreen.com/riley-funeral-home/sheryl-ann-smith/