Sherron Pickens Gooch Poropat was born on August 5, 1921 in the north Mississippi town of Toccopola. Her parents were C. Newton and Turalee Pickens Gooch. Her family also included sisters Mary Fern and Marjorie Loyce, and brothers Quay, Steadley and Carlos. Sherron's early years, through high school were fun years, typical of life in a small country town of the 1920's and 30's. Going on to college introduced her to a broader world, and then World War 2 enlarged it even more. She left college at the end of her junior year and went to work as a secretary at nearby Camp Shelby, Miss. Only Sherron knows how many young men courted her during those years, but there was only one lucky winner. He was Anthony R. Poropat, a soldier and a "damyankee" from South Bend, Indiana.

Sherron and Tony married. Six months later, the war having ended, they moved to South Bend to begin a civilian life together. Tony was a banker and Sherron was a secretary in a local office. When they were blessed with their son Richard she decided exclusively to be a homemaker. Of course, she proceeded to excel at it. In due time a delightful daughter Julie arrived.

Sherron found time to be involved with a number of activities of a non -profit community nature. However, to her and her husband the years of their childrens' growing, maturing, marrying, and the arrival of their four terrific grandchildren were golden years.

Sherron's ability as a homemaker was matched by other talents one of which was her instinct for interior decorating. She enjoyed antique shows, shops, auctions and estate sales. Instantly she could spot an item, which would turn out to be perfect for the place she had in mind for it. A walk through her home reveals her skill, and the warmth of feeling she created.

Sherron also had a passion for growing things, and she built extensive flower gardens at each of her homes in succession. She especially liked to grow day lilies, and at any time would have some 30 or 40 varieties. Passersby would stop to admire her garden and to thank her for the privilege. She shared countless "starts" with anyone who asked for them.

This has been an all-too-brief history of an exceptional person whose code of ethics is increasingly hard to find. Throughout her life she was a consummate lady, a person who was reverent and caring, and one whose family was always at the top of her list. Heaven is the richer, and we are poorer for having lost Sherron.