08/04/2026
Sherrell Carter Harrison Phelps, beloved mother, grandmother, wife, and friend, passed away July 28, 2026. Born on May 29, 1944, in Laurel, Mississippi, Sherrell was the daughter of Charles and Elsie Carter. She graduated from Gardner High School and spent much of her life creating a home filled with love, laughter, and hospitality.
Sherrell was first married to Dan Harrison, and together they raised three children, who were the center of her world: Mace Harrison, Erin Sievers, and Jennifer Buster. She was a devoted and loving mother who was always present for her children and later for her grandchildren—Nicole Harrison, Carter Harrison, Emma Sievers, Aidan Sievers, Marshall Buster, and Daniel Buster. Whether caring for them, cheering them on, or preparing one of her favorite family recipes, she found her greatest joy in spending time with her family. Many of those treasured recipes continue to be enjoyed by her children and grandchildren today.
During her years in Laurel, Sherrell and Dan loved spending time at the family farm, where many cherished memories were made. Her children fondly remember weekends at the fish camp and family vacations to Fort Walton Beach with relatives and friends. Those trips became lifelong traditions filled with laughter, love, and unforgettable moments.
Sherrell was an active member of First Trinity Presbyterian Church in Laurel, where her faith guided her life and her desire to serve others. She also shared her appreciation for art as a docent at the Laurel Rogers Museum of Art.
Sherrell embraced life with enthusiasm and enjoyed staying active and connected with friends. She loved playing tennis, bowled in a league, enjoyed gardening, and was an accomplished bridge player who was frequently called upon to substitute in games. She treasured lunches with friends, belonged to a garden club, and was known as an excellent cook and baker. Her home was always open to family and friends, where everyone was welcomed with a warm meal and genuine hospitality.
In 2001, Sherrell married Richard Phelps and moved to College Station, Texas, where together they built a life centered on faith, service, family, and friendship. They became active members of First Presbyterian Church in Bryan, serving on church committees and volunteering in the public schools’ ESL program, helping children learn to read. After joining Christ United Methodist Church in College Station, Sherrell became a member of the church choir. She also enjoyed meeting new friends through the Bryan-College Station Newcomers Club.
She was also Richard’s biggest supporter, faithfully attending his First Friday Jazz performances and encouraging his love of music. Together they enjoyed opening their home to family and friends, sharing meals, celebrating holidays, and serving their church and community.
Sherrell lovingly embraced Richard’s family as her own. She is survived by his children: Greg Phelps (daughters Zoe and husband Brandon, and Mya); Diane Signer and husband Tim (son Anthony and wife Jenny and their children Kipton and Audrey; daughter Kathryn and husband Josh Bowers and their children Jaiden, Zoe, Jackson, and John); and Susan Hauck (widow of Bill Hauck, daughters Ruthann and husband Michael and Ila). Sherrell cherished the opportunity to become part of their lives and loved watching the family continue to grow. She also treasured the lifelong friendship of David and Arlia and their children, Natalie and Christopher.
Above all else, Sherrell will be remembered for the way she loved people. She welcomed everyone into her home, made every gathering feel special, and found joy in serving others through her church, her community, and her family. Her kindness, generous spirit, unwavering faith, and servant’s heart touched countless lives. Her legacy lives on in the family she loved so deeply, the friendships she nurtured, the traditions she created, and the many lives she blessed. She will be profoundly missed and forever remembered with love.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff at Navasota Nursing & Rehabilitation in Navasota, Texas, for the exceptional care, kindness, and dignity they showed Sherrell during her time there. They are also deeply grateful to the caregivers of Remarkable Hospice for their compassionate support, comfort, and loving care during her final days. The kindness shown by both teams brought great comfort to Sherrell and her family and will always be remembered.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, August 8, 2026 at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Laurel, located at 4593 Indian Springs Road, Laurel, Mississippi, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Funeral services will follow at 11:00 AM at the same location, with burial at Lake Park Cemetery in Laurel 1302 Old Bay Springs Road. Rev. Perry Bridges will officiate. Arrangements are under the care of Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Laurel, MS.
Pallbearers will be Carter Harrison, Marshall Buster, Daniel Buster and Aidan Sievers.
In lieu of flowers donate to the Alzheimer's Association.
