Sherrill Caulder Ballard, 82, of Wilmington, North Carolina, went to be with the Lord, as she was surrounded by her family, on Sunday, April 2, 2023. She was born in Dillon, South Carolina on August 30, 1940. She was the daughter of the late Elliott Caulder and Allene Coates Caulder. Ms. Ballard was a long time member of Gibson Avenue Baptist Church in Wilmington, North Carolina.

She was a graduate of New Hanover High School, Wilmington, N.C. After graduating, Ms. Ballard began her career in Washington, DC working for the Shoreham Hotel, where she had the opportunity to enjoy John F. Kennedy's inaugural ball. She later moved to Yonkers, New York and worked in New York City. Ms. Ballard eventually returned to Wilmington, N.C., where she took a position with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Wilmington district. While reporting to Alabama for Hurricane relief after Hurricane Camille caused devastation, Ms. Ballard performed a life saving procedure where she earned a commendation from the U.S. Corps of Engineers. She continued her career with Florida Power & Light Company, where she retired, living in Fernandina Beach, Florida. Wanting to live closer to her family, Ms. Ballard returned to her hometown of Wilmington, NC, renovating her home and remaining there until she passed away.

Ms. Ballard had a passion for interior design and renovating client's homes. In her free time, she enjoyed reading, shopping, traveling, the ocean, gardening, spending time and having fun with her friends, as well as music and attending concerts such as Tony Bennett, Johnny Mathis, Michael Bublé, The Drifters and The Swinging Medallions. Her greatest joy in life was being a grandmother and sharing quality time with her family. She is fondly remembered for her loving, witty personality.

Ms. Ballard was independent, innovative, creative, entrepreneurial, and a true leader. She was loving and supportive although not afraid to share her opinion. Ms. Ballard's legacy is that she was a survivor and overall, a beautiful, intelligent woman who certainly left her mark on this earth and was a huge dynamic in her family.

Survivors include her daughter, Cheryl Ann Vaughan Phelps (Danny); granddaughter, Chandler Vaughan Phelps; and beloved fur baby, Lilley. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her brother, James L. Caulder.

The funeral service for Ms. Ballard will be held at 2 o'clock on Thursday, April 6th, at Spring Valley Baptist Church, 91 Polo Road, Columbia, SC. The family will receive friends prior to the service beginning at 1 o'clock. A graveside service will be held at 2 o'clock, on Friday, April 7th, at Greenlawn Memorial Park, 1311 Shipyard Blvd, Wilmington, NC. Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family.