Sheri Denise Thurston passed away on January 6, 2025. Sheri was born in Desloge, Missouri, on March 5, 1963, to the late Mary Carolyn Walker and Fred Stang. She was lovingly adopted by John Clayton Thurston in 1967.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Carolyn Walker. She is survived by her parents, John Clayton Thurston, and his spouse, Marcia, and Travis Walker; her husband, Mikil Knight; her brothers, John Thurston and his spouse, Kim, and Brian Walker and his spouse, Norma; her three children, Sara Park and her spouse, Andrew, John Inman, and Mary Inman, and her partner, Curtis Mar; her beloved grandson, Eliot Park; her sweet dog, Maizy; and five fur-grandbabies: Fitty, Molly, Toby, Banks, and Bindi.

Sheri was a brilliant and loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt, who will be greatly missed by many. Sheri was a vibrant soul who brought light and creativity to everyone she encountered. An artist in every sense of the word, she expressed herself through countless mediums, leaving behind works that reflected her boundless imagination and unique perspective on the world. As a beloved kindergarten teacher, she nurtured young minds with patience, warmth, and an infectious love for learning. Her adventurous spirit took her across the globe, but her heart always found its greatest peace on a warm, sun-kissed beach. Sheri will be deeply missed, but her legacy of love, creativity, and joy will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Services to remember and celebrate the life of Sheri Denise Thurston will be held at Ortman-Stipanovich Funeral Home at 12444 Olive Blvd, Creve Coeur, MO 63141. Visitation will take place from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 18. A celebration of her life will be held on Sunday, January 19, at 3:00 p.m. If you would like to join the family in wearing blue, they would be honored, as she was a passionate lover of the color blue. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Missouri State Teachers Foundation (www.mostf.org) in remembrance of Sheri Denise Thurston.