Dr. Coite Edward Sherrill of Statesville, N.C., received his heavenly reward on Thursday, October 27, 2022.
He was born to the late Howard Elmer Sherrill and Fannie Elizabeth Sherrill on August 10, 1942, in Troutman, N.C. Coite graduated from Troutman High School in 1960 and then attended Mitchell College and later Lenoir Rhyne College, where he received his bachelor’s degree in music education. He went on to attend Appalachian State University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, receiving a master’s degree and doctoral degree in school administration. In 1967 he married his wife, Mary Ann Sherrill, who survives. Coite served his entire professional career with the Iredell-Statesville School system working as a teacher, principal, curriculum director, and assistant superintendent. He attended Beulah Baptist Church in Statesville and served there for 43 years as the director of music and as a deacon.
In addition to his wife, Coite is survived by three sons; Philip Sherrill (Jodi), Kevin Sherrill (Tonya), and Doug Sherrill (Wendy); and eleven grandchildren, Nicholas Sherrill, Kaylee Sherrill, Leanna Sherrill, Josh Sherrill, Matt Sherrill, Mallory Sherrill, Ansleigh Sherrill, Lexi Rea Sherrill, Harrison Sherrill, Noah Sherrill and Thomas Sherrill. Also surviving are his two brothers, Hal Sherrill and Danny Sherrill.
Coite was preceded in death by two siblings, Maurice Sherrill and Norma Jean Sherrill; son, Brad Sherrill; and granddaughter, Cara Sherrill.
Visitation will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. on Sunday, October 30, at Beulah Baptist Church. Funeral service will be conducted Monday, October 31, at 4 p.m. at Beulah Baptist Church with Rev. Brian Burgess officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Active pallbearers will be David Sherrill, Dwayne Bell, Brad Warren, Darrell Watt, Tommy Sherrill and Johnny Sherrill.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the music ministry at Beulah Baptist Church.
Troutman Funeral Home is serving the family.
My thoughts and prayers are with the family. What a special man. He could sing like an angel. Coite will be so missed. He was a good Christian man, husband, daddy, granddad, brother, uncle and friend. Never to be forgotten.
Coite was a great friend, fellow principal, and incredible administrator. Always an advocate for kids and teachers, he led in a positive manner. He truly leaves a legacy of caring and professionalism.
While at MCC we sang together in the HMS Pinafore with him playing my father. Such wonderful memories of an awesome man!!!?
So sorry for your loss. Coite was a very special teacher, minister of music and a joy to the students of Iredell-Statesville Schools and the churches he served. He will be greatly missed and music will remain a joy to many. God bless the family and remembered in prayer ?
Iredell County and the state of North Carolina have lost a great citizen and educator. Coite was a great individual, co-worker, friend and family man. I enjoyed my collaboration with him as we worked on our degrees together as well as colleagues in the school system. A true honor!
Coite was an incredible individual. He loved life and enjoyed his family. He was a great advocate for children and educators with wisdom surpassing understanding. I will miss my mentor and my friend. The world was a better place with Coite in it.