Loretta Mae Manning Sherrick

Loretta “Lori” Mae Sherrick (née Manning, formerly Bartley), 70, of Rocky Mount went to heaven to be with the Lord on Friday, December 12, 2025. 

Many knew her as an educator, pastor, volunteer, and servant to anyone around her. Her sons, Kyle and Evan, remember her most as being a wonderful mother and grandmother who loved with her whole heart and always looked out for those that others might overlook. They recall her always being ready to give a ride, prepare a cup of coffee or just sit and listen when anyone would come by the house needing help. Her husband, Joe, would tell you about the fearless traveler that longed for the ocean and precious moments with family. Her dedication to others formed deep connections to people in many different circles. She volunteered with numerous church activities over the years including Bailey Area Ministries food pantry, Emmaus of the Albemarle, and Kairos Outside and Kairos of NC ministries.

Lori earned a bachelor’s degree from NC Wesleyan College in 1995, and a Master of Divinity from Duke University in 1999. She served as a pastor in the United Methodist Church before becoming an instructor in History and Religion at Nash Community College where she worked until her retirement in 2021.

Lori is survived by her loving husband of seventeen years, Joseph Sherrick; sons, Kyle Bartley and wife, Tonya, and Evan Bartley and wife, Mandy; grandchildren, Logan, Avery, Silas, Levi, Rowan, Gunner, Haven, Trevor, Andrew, Joshua and Lily; step-son, Matthew Clayton Sherrick; step-daughter, Michelle Bradley and husband, Matt; and brother, James “Jamie” Rudolph Manning, II and wife, Renee.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jim and Elaine Manning and her first husband, David Bartley.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, December 18, 2025, at Bailey United Methodist Church, 12437 Green Street, Bailey. Interment will follow in Pleasant Grove Methodist Church Cemetery, 8658 New Sandy Hill Church Road, Bailey. Rev. Branson Sheets will officiate.

The family will receive friends Wednesday evening from 6 – 8 p.m. December 17, 2025, at Joyner’s Funeral Home, 4100 Raleigh Road Parkway, Wilson.

In lieu of flowers, consider memorials in Loretta’s memory to the American Cancer Society, 4140 Parklake Avenue, Suite 515, Raleigh, North Carolina 27612.

Condolences directed to Joyner’s Funeral Home and Crematory at www.joyners.net.