Cora Mae Sherman

MARICOPA - Cora Mae Sherman, 87, a deaconess known to her family, friends and church family as Mother Sherman, died on Aug. 10, 2019, surrounded by her family.

Mrs. Sherman was born on April 22, 1932, to Frank "Bosie" and Lucille Davis Bethea in Glennville, Georgia, the second of eight children. Known for her Southern hospitality, she was an excellent cook and seamstress. She had strong faith and convictions and loved the Lord. She became a member of Mount Moriah African Methodist Episcopal Church in 2011. She was ordained as a deaconess on Aug. 28, 2016, under the leadership of Bishop Clement Fugh at the 131st annual conference. She also was an active member of the Women's Missionary Society and Sunday school until her health did not permit it.

She and her husband and children moved from Georgia to the Monterey Peninsula, California, in 1965 and she worked for the Army and Air Force Exchange Service. She retired in 1988 in Sunnyvale, California. She loved all her family and her church families: Bethel Baptist Church in Seaside, California, St. John Baptist Church in San Jose, California, New Hope Friendship Baptist Church in San Diego and Mount Moriah AME Church in Maricopa. She loved to play bingo.

Survivors include six daughters and sons, Carolyn Fate Sherman of Sacramento, California, the Rev. Rose Houston of Maricopa, Col. Freddie J. Sherman of Williamsburg, Virginia, Frank Sherman-Fate of Hayward, California, Sandra Glasco-Gutierrez of Casa Grande and William T. Sherman Jr. of Phoenix; five siblings, Leola Arthur of Glennville, Marie Presley of Ludowici, Georgia, Waldo Bethea of Phoenix, Ted and Stella Bethea of New York City; 14 grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by her husband; three children, John Calvin, Coleman and Craig; and two siblings, Stanley Bethea and Emmaretta Coley.

Visitation beginning at 10 a.m. with service at 11 on Friday, Aug. 16, at J. Warren Funeral Services, Cole & Maud The Gardens Chapel in Casa Grande.