Sharry Dawn Chapman Squires, 82, passed away peacefully at home on April 1, 2026. She was born on August 20, 1943, in Martinsburg, West Virginia, to Ward F. Chapman, Sr. and Anna Swartz Chapman.

Sharry graduated from Catonsville High School in 1961 and went on to earn her bachelor’s degree from Shepherd College in 1965. She later completed her master’s degree at Middle Tennessee State University in 1994. She dedicated her life to education, serving as an elementary school teacher in Massachusetts, Okinawa, Maryland, and Tennessee. Over the years, she also shared her love of music by teaching piano lessons and serving as a music teacher at Sumner Academy. She later taught middle school social studies at Hunter Middle School and worked as a librarian at Millersville Elementary School. Sharry was instrumental in establishing the library at First Baptist Church Hendersonville and volunteered countless hours there, as well as in the music ministry and preschool department.

A woman of deep faith, Sharry loved the Lord with all her heart. She spent many hours studying her Bible through Precept Ministry classes, and one of the highlights of her life was a trip to Israel led by Kay Arthur. She faithfully served as a preschool Sunday School and Vacation Bible School teacher and played piano for numerous choirs and churches throughout her life.

Sharry married William T. Squires in 1984, sharing 42 years of marriage together. She was preceded in death by her parents and her infant brother. She is survived by her sister, Gayle (Ron) Deal of Maryland; her brother, Ward (Libby) Chapman, Jr. of Virginia; her daughter, Dawn (Bryan) Williamson of Hendersonville; her son, Allan (Beth) Crooks of Gallatin; four grandchildren, Lauren (Brennan) Wells, Claire Williamson, Drew Williamson, and Garrison Crooks; as well as two stepchildren, four step-grandchildren, and three step-great-grandchildren in North Carolina.

Known affectionately as “Nana,” Sharry was a joyful and loving presence in her grandchildren’s lives. A big kid at heart, she delighted in playing on the floor, doing crafts, and later sharing wisdom through walks and meaningful conversations. She also enjoyed traveling, bicycling, reading, and eating lunch with her friends.

Sharry was a fighter who courageously battled breast cancer for over ten years with strength and grace.

Visitation will be held Monday, April 27, from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m., followed by a memorial service at 2:00 p.m. and a graveside service at 3:00 p.m. All services will take place at First Baptist Church Hendersonville, with burial at Hendersonville Memory Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to either the preschool department or the library at First Baptist Church Hendersonville.

Sharry’s legacy of faith, service, and love for her family will continue to inspire all who knew her.