To say Sherill Million is “one in a million” might be underestimating her value. She is a priceless treasure to all who know her. She is a natural caretaker for her family, friends, neighbors, church and community.
Sherill never seeks the spotlight for her good deeds. She prefers to be behind the scenes and do her work quietly. She was surprised even to be nominated for a Journal Review Shining Star, let alone be chosen.
Starla Bradley, her neighbor, nominated her.
“She is an excellent example of a role model for everyone in our community,” Bradley said. “Every community needs a ‘Sherill.’ Ladoga is lucky to have her, and we are extra lucky to have her as a neighbor.”
Sherill has been a part of the Ladoga community for 50 years and Montgomery County her whole life. She moved to Ladoga when she married her high school sweetheart, Charles. They celebrated their golden anniversary on Dec. 1.
In the community, Sherill can often be spotted helping neighbors rake leaves, pick up walnuts, feed animals and collect trash bins. She takes care of tasks when her neighbors are sick, injured, on vacation, and too busy. She is so beloved that the neighborhood children often join in with the work just to be around her.
“While I do those things mentioned, those things are my blessings,” Sherill said. “It doesn’t take much to help one another.”
Her attitude is ever so humble, and her heart is huge.
Investing in the children is important to Sherill. She wants each one of them to know they are special and unique. One of the unique ways she spends time with the kids involves a golf cart. She often picks them up from the school bus and asks about their day while taking a ride.
The kids and Sherill pile in the golf cart in the summer and go on garden tours. Even though they all love watching the progress of the flowers and vegetables growing, their favorite place to visit is Peeptown, a fellow neighbor’s chicken coop. A lot of laughs and interesting observations are had on those tours.
Sherill’s porch story times are another neighborhood favorite. All the kids will gather around and listen to Sherill read stories to them. She always takes the time to answer their questions and listen to their imaginations run wild from the stories they read.
“It is the little things that mean a lot and will be remembered,” Sherill said.
Storytime always ends with a Bible story.
“The world today sends so many negative messages that I like to finish with something positive, Something to make a good impression on them,” Sherill said.
Her wonderful Bible stories and lessons are also shared at church. For more than a decade, Sherill has taught children’s church for first, second and third graders. She is an active member of Crossroads Community Church of the Nazarene. She participates in everything from handbell choir to ringing the Salvation Army’s bells.
One never knows where they might find Sherill in the community, but be assured that when you see her, she will serve with her unlimited time and talents. She is a true Montgomery County treasure.
