Mary Elizabeth Sperry

Mary Elizabeth Sperry, 71, died November 26, 2017. Mary was a warrior in her battle with multiple myeloma; she fought to stay with her family. She was born May 20, 1946, in Little Rock, Arkansas, to Edward and Jeanette (Owen) Herrod. She was a 1978 graduate of the University of Central Arkansas and an Educator by profession. She was a resident of Maumelle, Ark. prior to moving to Florida 11 years ago. For 22 years Mary was affiliated with the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls.  In Arkansas, she held the position of Supreme Inspector and was elected to the position of Supreme Recorder for the International Office in McAlester, Oklahoma.  She was a member of the Fedelis Class at Gardner United Methodist Church in North Little Rock. In 2009 she joined First United Methodist of Okeechobee. She enjoyed Disney, traveling in her Airstream, and she was an avid and adept fisherwoman. A loving mother and grandmother, she had a vibrant spirit. Her smile made people feel special and her laugh would brighten the day of anyone in earshot. Her bond with Christ will carry her to Heaven. Mary was preceded in death by her father, Edward "Buz" Herrod. She is survived by her husband of 38 years, Gary Sperry; son, Robert Allen (Peggy) Sheffield of Georgetown, Texas; daughter, Elizabeth (Barry) Carroll of Cabot, Ark.; three grandchildren, Max (Meagan) Carroll and Victoria Carroll, both of Cabot, Ark., and Thomas Sheffield of Georgetown, Texas; her mother, Jeanette Herrod of Little Rock, Ark.; brother, Paul E. (Janice) Herrod of North Little Rock, Ark; and nephew, James Thomas Herrod. A Memorial Service was held at the First United Methodist Church of Okeechobee 2 p.m. Wednesday, November 29, 2017. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Moffitt Cancer Research Center for Multiple Myeloma. Those wishing to leave a message of condolence may sign the register book at, www.OkeechobeeFuneralHome.com. All arrangements are entrusted to the direction and care of the Buxton & Bass Okeechobee Funeral Home, 400 North Parrott Avenue, Okeechobee, Florida, 34972.