Sherry Lynn Parkman, affectionately known as “Shammy,” passed away peacefully on October 17, 2025, due to natural causes. She was born on January 12, 1964, in Boston, Massachusetts, to Bettie and the late Samuel Parkman, and was their eldest daughter of their four children.
Sherry was truly one of a kind — bold, brilliant, hilarious, and unforgettable. She lived life on her own terms, full of energy, humor, and stories that could make anyone laugh. She had a wealth of knowledge and could speak intelligently on just about anything. Her family often joked that she was “the bank of useless information,” because she always knew a random fact or clever detail about the most unexpected things.
Sherry had an incredible gift for language and picked it up effortlessly. She was known for her love of Spanish and her ability to speak it with ease and flair — often surprising people with how naturally it rolled off her tongue. She was also deeply appreciated for her skills in the kitchen. Sherry could cook with love, creativity, and flavor that brought everyone together around the table.
In her later years, she embraced the role that became her greatest joy — being “Shammy” to her grandchildren, Kannon (Squirmy) Parkman, Cairo Edwards, and Quentin (Little Guy) Parkman. Shammy was the world’s funniest and most loving grandmother — a prankster, storyteller, and joy-bringer who made every moment with her grandkids special. She gave them laughter, memories, and a love they’ll carry forever.
Sherry is survived by her children Danielle, Brittany, Alexis, Egypt, and Omar Parkman; her loving mother Bettie Parkman; her siblings Randy Parkman, Ardrena Parkman Lyles (and brother-in-law Kevin Lyles), and Tracey Parkman; and her adored nieces and nephews — Remington, Maxwell, and Xavier Parkman, and Sofia Gil, Chandlor, and Karrington Lyles and a great nephew Remington Jr. She also leaves behind her best friend Mary James and lifelong partner and childhood love, Michael Clark, who remained by her side through every chapter.
Visitation at the William J. Gormley Funeral Home, 2055 Centre St. West Roxbury on Thursday, November 6th from 11am-12pm with a Funeral Service at 12pm. Relatives and friends invited.