Sheryll Poel, beloved wife, sister, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on October 28 at the age of 84. Her life was a testimony to her faith in Jesus Christ and her comfort in God's promise of eternal life through His Son.

Born in Grand Haven, Michigan, in 1942, Sheryll grew up there with her parents, William and Louise (Bytwerk) Petersen, and five siblings. She graduated from Calvin College with an English degree and teaching certificate and taught junior high for several years in Grand Rapids. Sheryll met the love of her life, Bob, when he just happened to be an usher at the family church in Grand Haven. After a car accident, Bob helped nurse Sheryll back to health, and they married in 1969, settling in Grand Rapids. Together, they raised three sons: Rob and twins Brian and Brad.

Sheryll’s love of music and literature wove its way through the story of her life: volunteering at the school library and reading to her sons’ homerooms, discovering new authors and artists while working at Pooh’s Corner, and singing with the church choir and Calvin College Oratorio Society. Supported by a lovingly curated library of the very best children’s books and a piano ready to play a hymn at any moment, Sheryll’s appreciation for reading and singing lives on through several generations.

As a lifelong learner with a keen intellect and a passion for liturgy, Sheryll profoundly influenced the spiritual life of Cascade CRC. She actively participated on the worship planning team and also championed the introduction of Children’s Worship in the 1970s – a radical change at the time.

Many knew Sheryll through her generous gift of letter writing. She regularly sent handwritten notes and cards of encouragement to family, friends and acquaintances, laced with Scripture and newspaper clippings and often providentially timed for the recipient’s specific need. Only now is she discovering the eternal impact and legacy of her encouraging words.

                   One of Sheryll’s favorite hymns:

“I lift up my eyes to the mountains,

I look to the Lord for my aid;

My help is the Lord God Almighty,

The earth and the heavens He made.”

Psalter Hymnal, #448 (based on Psalm 121).

Sheryll was preceded in death by her husband, Robert, and sister-in-law, Marilyn (John) Zuiderveen. She is survived by her children: Rob and Lucinda (de Haan), Brian and Christa (Broers), and Brad and Lisa (Haulenbeek); and her grandchildren, Tyler (Jenna), Masen (Drew) Seibel, Andersen, Katherine, and Lilah. She is also survived by her siblings: Helen, Eunice, Donna (Al) DeWeerd, James, and Yvonne (Len) Riemersma; her brothers-in-law, Don (Barb) and Stan (Wilma); and family friend Thelma Van Til.

A memorial service will be held at Zaagman Memorial Chapel (2800 Burton St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546) on Monday, November 2, at 1:30 p.m. Dessert and fellowship will take place immediately after the service.

Flowers are appreciated, but you may also consider a gift to one of Sheryll’s favorite charities: Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp (https://bluelake.org/).