Sherry Lee Phinney

It is with deep reverence for the gift of her amazing life that the family of Sherry Lee Phinney announce her passing on September 2. 

Sherry was a dedicated paralegal with a long-standing career in the legal profession. She was the only child of Helen and Robert Minard and the proud mother of her four children. 

Renee Phinney, Jack Phinney, Becky Phinney Clancy and Bob Phinney. All of whom also reside in Sarasota. A tight knit family like none other. With half a dozen beautiful grandchildren, Meghan Downing, Destin Phinney, Reese Clancy, Anna Belen Phinney, Jaxson Phinney, and Henry Phinney. And one lovely great granddaughter, Megan’s daughter, Brynleigh Downing. 

Her family, friends, poker club, writing group and laughter were her cherished gifts. Her unique sense of self was always on full display in her rotating t-shirt collection with funny and borderline inappropriate quotes. When you were in her presence the conversation was always lively and meaningful. 

She made it her mission to get to the heart of the matter through her special ways of “curiosity”, a/k/a interrogation and story-telling. You could always count on her to give it to you straight and to make certain you knew where you stood. She wrote her own memoir in the same style. “Santa and The Wild West” was published and launched on her 80th birthday. If you have a copy, hold onto it tightly as it is priceless!

SERVICE: True to form, her wish (i.e., demand) was to have a big celebration at her beloved Jasmine Beach Club. A “Saints Come Marching Home” style shindig. It will be held on Saturday, November 1, 2025 and will be Halloween themed – her absolute favorite holiday of the year. 

DONATIONS: In lieu of flowers, a donation to one of Sherry’s many favorite charities would honor her own legacy. Girls, Inc., The Humane Society of Sarasota County, SPARCC, Boys & Girls Club of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties, and her writers group. Thank you for being a part of her ripple (not the wine) and, above all else, love.