Sherri Lyn (Grove) Watson was born on October 29, 1963, in Richmond, Missouri, to Bob and Dorothy (Lynde) Grove. She grew up in Lawson, MO, graduating from Lawson High School as class valedictorian in 1982.
Sherri was very athletic; growing up, she played softball and basketball and ran track. She was a gifted pianist throughout her life, also playing clarinet and singing alto in the choir while in school. She was a part of the marching and concert band, as well as the select choir. Her musical talents led to her being awarded the John Phillip Sousa Award and winning the Farm Bureau Missouri Contest. Sherri also enjoyed doing crafts with her sister, such as macramé and crochet. She loved to read Jane Austen books, and this led to her love of the 2005 Pride and Prejudice movie.
After high school, Sherri studied at Central Missouri State University (now UCM) and received her B.S. in education, majoring in mathematics and minoring in music. It was at the Baptist Student Center of CMSU in August of 1983 that Sherri first met Steve Watson. They were married at the Old Union Christian Union Church in Lawson, MO, on November 28, 1986. Steve’s job brought them to Omaha in February 1991. They joined Westside Church and began serving and raising their family. They were blessed with four children, Joshua in 1993, Michaela in 1997, Adina in 1999, and Caleb in 2006. Before Joshua was born, Sherri worked as a High School math and computer teacher. She also became a member of the NE State Educators’ Association.
While her children were young, she chose to be a stay-at-home mom and focus on her children. Sherri was full of love and was happy to take a step back from her career to support her husband and children. However, she was also dedicated to education, so during this time she kept up with continuing education and was forever bettering herself. She was incredibly smart and loved to learn. Before Caleb was born, Sherri did some work from home with data entry, and then once Caleb was old enough to start school, she enjoyed working as the Millard South Show Choir and Varsity Choir Accompanist and Solo and Ensemble Accompanist. Sherri was very involved in her church, acting as Women’s Bible Study Coordinator, singing in the Choir, and acting as the Choir, Praise Team, and church pageant Accompanist. She had a deep love for music, especially Christian Contemporary. Sherri also loved being an educator, and many students over the years saw her as a “mom” figure. She was awarded the Millard South Teacher Extra Mile Award. She was always serving others and would always say yes to helping out, so long as it was not at the expense of her own family. In her free time, Sherri was a sports fan and liked to cheer for the KC Royals, KC Chiefs, and all Husker sports. Her favorite foods included prime rib and red velvet cake, to be enjoyed with an iced tea. She also liked to go out to eat at Cheddar’s. She loved her family and was always happy to be able to spend time with them. Despite her hardworking attitude, Sherri was also known for her witty jokes, silly faces, and many will remember her infectious laughter.
Sherri was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Malvern and Georgia Lynde; paternal grandparents, Raymond and Eunice Grove; and uncle, Dale Lynde.
She is survived by her parents, Bobby Ray and Dorothy Jean Grove; husband of 39 years, Steven Don Watson; children, Joshua Steven Watson, Michaela Lyn (Michael) Quaas, Adina Rae Watson, and Caleb Edwin Watson; siblings, Michael Ray (Linda) Grove and Kristi Dale (Kirk) Baker; nieces and nephews, Kati (Zach) Shelton, Stefani (Jacob) Mitchell, and Coleman (Teah) Baker; great nieces and nephews, Abel Shelton, June Shelton, Judah Mitchell, and Lenora Mitchell; aunt, Nancy (Ken) Welty; and cousins, Kenny Dale and Kevin Welty.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 28, 2026, at Old Union Church, 17990 N. Union Road, Lawson, Missouri, from 5 to 7 p.m. with service on Friday, May 29, 2026, at 10:30 a.m., also at the church with burial at Old Union Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to Old Union Cemetery.
Arrangements are in care of Bross & Spidle Funeral Home Lawson Chapel.
