Sherry Lynn Johnson, lovingly known as “Sher Bear,” “Momma Bear,” “Queen of Pirates,” and “TiTi,” passed away unexpectedly on Memorial Day May 25, 2026. Born on May 7, 1977, Sherry lived a life defined by compassion, resilience, loyalty, and an unwavering devotion to those she loved.

Sherry was born to Sharon Robertson and Louis Steffek. Later in life, she was blessed to gain another father, Henry Perkins Sr., who became an important part of her family.

On September 18, 1998, in Oregon, Sherry married the love of her life, Jeremy L. Johnson, shortly after he completed his service in the United States Marine Corps. Together they built a marriage founded on love, friendship, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment. Throughout Jeremy’s military career, Sherry embraced the life of a military spouse, living in many places as her husband served as a defender of the American way of life. Though home was wherever her family was, her heart always belonged to Tampa, Florida, which she considered her true home. She was a true tampanian.

Sherry was a proud and devoted mother to Jostyn Johnson and his wife, Mia Johnson; Slatyn Johnson and his partner, Jaide Laducer; and her adopted son, Jacob Peoples. Her children were the greatest joy of her life, and she loved them fiercely and unconditionally.

Education was important to Sherry. In 2017, she earned her Bachelor of Science degree, Summa Cum Laude, from Rasmussen College, a reflection of her dedication, intelligence, and determination. Never one to stop growing, she continued pursuing her education and was actively working toward her master’s degree at the time of her passing.

Perhaps one of Sherry’s greatest acts of love was her role as a full-time caregiver to her combat veteran husband. She devoted countless hours to supporting Jeremy through life’s challenges, offering strength, patience, encouragement, and unconditional love. She carried that responsibility with grace and never sought recognition for the sacrifices she made on behalf of her family.

Sherry was preceded in death by her brother, Henry Perkins Jr., whose memory she carried with her throughout her life. She is survived by her siblings: Brandon Steffek and his wife Rachel Steffek, Heaven Dillon and her husband Matt Dillon, and Brittany Robinson and her husband Cody Robinson.

Known affectionately as “TiTi,” Sherry cherished her nieces and nephews. She is survived by her beloved nieces Alyssa Boyanovsky, Mercy Reyes-Hughes, Maylee Chipp, Ashley Johnson, Ariana Johnson, and Persephone Dillon, and her nephews Jeremy Chipp III, Jaxyn Robinson, Atlas Dillon, and Ronin Steffek.

Sherry also had a special place in her heart for animals, especially her cats. She is survived by her beloved cat Axel, who brought her companionship and comfort through the years. She was preceded in death by her cherished cats Angel and Smokey, who held a special place in her heart.

To know Sherry was to know unconditional love. She welcomed people into her life without judgment, offered support without hesitation, and loved with her whole heart. She was the person friends called in their darkest moments, the family member who never forgot a birthday, the caregiver who always put others first, and the steady presence people could depend on.

Sherry leaves behind countless friends, extended family members, military families, and loved ones whose lives were forever touched by her kindness, generosity, and strength. While her absence leaves an immeasurable void, the legacy she created through love, service, and devotion will continue to live on in all who knew her.

She will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten. Her legacy will withstand the test of time.