Sharon Newsome (Pulley) Johnston of Yorktown, Virginia, passed away on Monday, June 9, 2025, at the age of 78. Sherry was born on July 1, 1946, to Arthur Ernest and Dorothy Bennett Newsome. Growing up in the Riverside neighborhood of Newport News, Sherry was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church. Sherry attended and graduated from Ferguson High School in 1964, where she met and fell in love with Terry Randall Pulley. Sherry chose to pursue a degree in education at Lynchburg College, while Randall attended Campbell College. She graduated from Lynchburg in 1968, and they married soon after, living in Buies Creek, North Carolina. Upon their return to Newport News, Virginia, Sherry taught elementary school at Seaford Elementary and Trinity Lutheran School. Sherry and Randall had two children, Jeff and Kimber. Tragically, Sherry lost Randall on July 3, 1974, in a boating accident. For the next nine years, Sherry would fill her children’s lives with adventure and love. Up and down the East Coast and to the Midwest, Sherry traveled with Jeff and Kimber on adventures exploring and visiting family. She filled her children’s lives with love, enough to withstand the loss of their dad, Randall. Sherry’s most treasured gifts were her children and her family.
Sherry was the oldest of the five Newsome children. Along with her brother and three sisters, Sherry created lasting memories and a family bond unlike any other. Her family was the most important aspect of her life, and until her final days, she expressed her sadness at leaving them behind. Sherry’s life was once again fulfilled when she met Jack Johnston in 1982. She taught Fire Prevention at Dare Elementary School in Yorktown, where she encountered Jack as he showcased his firetrucks for the school children to explore. They found comfort, companionship, and profound love in each other and married in April 1983. Jack became a father to Jeff and Kimber, loving them as his own. Sherry eventually left teaching to become the office manager of Jack’s business, Johnston’s Chimney Sweep, which he operated when not on duty with the York County Fire Department. Together, Jack and Sherry managed and built a family business known to many and sought after through word of mouth. Sherry chose to retire from her managerial role in July 2017 after keeping Jack on track for 34 years. Jack and Sherry were married for 39 years when Jack sadly passed away from complications of Alzheimer’s Dementia in November 2022.
Sherry’s greatest accomplishments included raising her two children, being a sister to her loving siblings, and serving as a mother, grandmother, aunt, and great-aunt. Her memories will be cherished by those she loved most in this world: her son, Jeffrey (Jeff) Scott Pulley (Grace) of Gillette, Wyoming; her daughter, Kimber Pulley Matzke (Thomas) of Yorktown; her grandsons, Gabriel Pulley of Gillette, Wyoming, and Jordan Towell of Chesterfield, Virginia; her brother, Robert (Bob) Newsome (Holly) of Billings, Montana; her sisters, Pam Little (Craig), Donna Owens (Grant), and Jodi King, all of Yorktown. Her nieces and nephews, some of whom she cared for as infants, include Jill Sarsfield (Mark), Coulter Little, Jenn Quanbeck (Ben), Bennett Newsome (Alycia), Ashby Owens, Spencer Owens (Sherry’s “King”), Brittany Sutter (Zach), Katie Cassidy (Dee), Michael King (Merissa), and Molly King (Adam). Her great-nieces and nephews include Emily Sarsfield, Xander Little, Caleb and Cora Quanbeck, and Beckett Sutter.
Sherry will be missed by all who loved her. A special thank you to Fluff N’ Puff Senior Care, including Stephanie, Tara, Tina B., Tabatha, Luz, and her fondest caregiver, Tina Tyler. Their care, support, and love for Sherry were a Godsend in her final days.
A celebration of Sherry’s life will be Monday, June 23, 2025 at Trinity Lutheran Church, 6807 Huntington Ave, Newport News, at 11:00 am. Interment will convene at Peninsula Memorial Park immediately following the service.
11 Comments
Both Sherry and Jack were the sweetest people I have met! Always a kind word and very giving. A great Love of family and extended families. Both have Hearts of gold.
My Love and Prayers are with them and their family.
They will not be forgotten and both will be greatly loved and missed
Thank you so much Lee for remembering them both as they were. They thought the world of you!
Heartfelt love and prayers for family and loved ones grieving for such a beloved and cherished family member!
I went to high school with sherry. She a sweet and lovely person she has rejoined her family gone before her. May you experience God’s peace and assurance
I was a student of Mrs. Pulley’s at Seaford Elementary School. She was a wonderful teacher and I have fond memories of her. Sending prayers of comfort and peace for her family.
Kimber, I am sp sorry for your loss. I rememner your mother as such a beautiful, sweet person who loved you so very much. You are so much like her. Prayers for healing and happy memories.
Sherry’s heart was always full of joy, gratitude, and love of family. Her gentle southern ways were endearing and appreciated as she welcomed us (Jack’s family) with both arms. Her spirit lives on, in the hearts of those she left behind. We wish Kimber, Jeff and their collective families peace and solace at this difficult time. RIP Sherry.
Sherry was a beautiful, caring and gentle soul. She loved her family and friends dearly. Everyone around her was loved and she was loved back. We will all miss her tremendously.
Sherry was a kind and gracious woman who, like Jack, never met a stranger. Her death will no doubt leave an empty place in your family. Prayers that God will hold you in your grief. Cheryl Griffin
We are thinking of the family as you all celebrate Sherrys beautiful life.
Our Condolences, Bob and Laura Cobb🙏
My family lived next door to Newsome family and sweet Doberman Pooka in Riverside Liked catching up with S over the years 🥲