Sherry Sorkness

Sherry Simms Sorkness, 72, died November 29, 2021 peacefully in her sleep following an extended illness.

She was born June 26, 1949 in Johnson City, Tenn., but moved soon thereafter to Chattanooga. She graduated in 1967 from Brainerd Senior High where she was a majorette, then graduating from Bauder Fashion College in Atlanta, Ga. She worked as a model and fashion buyer living in different parts of the country until returning to Chattanooga in 1985. While in Chattanooga, she worked at Chambliss, Bahner Stophel law firm as a litigation paralegal, at CBL Properties, and most recently as the longtime judicial administrative assistant at Hamilton County Circuit Court for Judge Jeff Hollingsworth. She loved her job and the people there and only recently retired due to failing health.

Like her parents, Sherry was artistic, especially when it came to fashioning jewelry. She loved her annual visits to what family called, “Jewelry Camp,” in the Blue Ridge mountains where she honed her craft with other professionals. She was often seen at the Chattanooga Market on weekends selling her wares.

She was also a giving, caring woman. She was one of the first House Volunteers upon the opening of Chattanooga’s Ronald McDonald House – the house that love built in 1990. She also donated blood at every opportunity for others in need.

She is survived by her loving sons, Brian and James Sorkness, brother, Richard Simms (Barbara) and nieces, Priscilla Simms-Roberson and Tiffany Simms. She was preceded in death by her parents, Bob and Marion Simms.

Visitation will be held Saturday, December 4, 2021 from 4 00-6 00pm at Lane Funeral Home on Ashland Terrace with a memorial service to follow in the Coulter Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Chattanooga’s Ronald McDonald House (rmhchattanooga.com) in Sherry’s memory.

Arrangements entrusted to Lane Funeral Home, 601 Ashland Terrace, Chattanooga, TN 37415 www.lanefh.com (423)877-3524