Keri Leigh Sheffield

Martinez, GA - Keri Leigh Sheffield, 40, of Martinez was received into the arms of her Savior Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2021. Her memorial service will be Monday, Nov. 22, at 1:30 p.m. with Garry Morgan officiating at Chance & Hydrick Funeral Directors, 2502 Richmond Hill Road, Augusta. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. The family requests you wear yellow for the sunshine Keri, affectionately known as "Kearbear," brought to so many lives and for her love for Jesus Christ. She was also an avid fan of the University of Georgia Bulldogs and if you would like to wear their colors, please do so. Keri is survived by her parents, Patsy (Taylor) and Don Sheffield of Martinez; her sister, Amy Benton, and her husband, Jeffrey, her niece, Emily Benton, and nephews, Chase Benton and Bryson Benton, all of North Augusta, S.C. ; and a host of aunts and uncles. She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Loree P. And J.W. Taylor of Waynesboro, her paternal grandparents, Olive (Sheffield) and her step- grandfather, Thurman Kirkland of North Augusta and Jerry R. Sheffield of Perry, Fla. Keri fought a courageous 12-year battle to ALS, more commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease. Her parents made a decision at the onset of her diagnosis, they would care for her at home and they fulfilled the promise. Of the 12 years most of it she was bedridden and required 'round the clock care. She was fortunate to have Emma Smith as her caregiver for 10 of those years. Emma became an extended family member and the family offers their heartfelt thanks and love to Emma for her extraordinary care. They extend their thanks to Lelynce Senat, her co-caregiver, also to her cousin, Alanha Taylor Walden, and Opal Averhart who were among the many providing care and companionship for Keri. The family also extends their heartfelt thanks and admiration to Dr. Ben Timmerman and Dr. George Pursley for their faithful visits and also the staff of Lenus In-Home Care. When diagnosed, Keri, did not let the challenges that accompanied this disease get her down. While able she continued to reach out to her friends to hold onto their relationships. Her disease was very aggressive and at the beginning of its second year she became bedridden and quickly became dependent on a trachea and ventilator. As the disease progressed her only means of communication were through her eyes which her family and caregivers quickly learned to read. Keri was a 2000 graduate of Evans High School. She attended Augusta Area Technical College and was a certified nursing assistant. At the time of her diagnosis she worked as head teller for SRP Credit Union at the Belair Road Branch. Keri loved shooting pool and became quite proficient in the sport. She competed locally and nationally twice in Las Vegas. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial contributions be made to Burkehaven Chapel, c/o Garry Morgan, 820 Corley Road, Blythe GA 30805 or Wimberly House Ministries, P.O. Box 50, Waynesboro GA 30830. Chance & Hydrick Funeral Directors is in charge of services. To express condolences, log onto www.chanceandhydrick.com

Keri Leigh Sheffield

November 20, 2021