Delora Eldridge Sherwood
Delora Eldridge Sherwood, 86, passed away peacefully Thursday, Nov. 5, 2026, at home, surrounded by the love of her daughter and son-in-law, Pam and Stacy Gray. She fought a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease for many years.
Born July 15, 1940, to Robert and Verda Eldridge, Delora graduated from Clinton High School in 1958 and later earned an associate degree in dietary services from Roane State Community College.
She spent many years working for Anderson County and Clinton City schools before retiring as a cafeteria manager with Oak Ridge Schools.
What began as a hobby decorating cakes blossomed into a career spanning more than 30 years as the owner of her own business, Catering by Delora. She provided cakes and food for weddings, receptions and countless dinners.
Delora and her husband of 63 years, Earl Sherwood, were longtime members of Second Baptist Church in Clinton and the Clinton Lions Club. They were devoted supporters of the Museum of Appalachia’s Homecoming event for many years and loved to travel, visiting much of the United States together.
Delora is lovingly remembered by her daughter, Pam Gray, and her husband, Stacy; and her grandson, Nik, whom she adored spoiling. She often reminded him that “what happens at Mamaw’s, stays at Mamaw’s.”
She is also survived by her sister, Nel Schrader, and her husband, Ron; her special “daughter,” Ingunn Birger, and her husband, Borge, of Norway; and nieces and nephews, Terry Sherwood and his wife, Sabrina, Todd Schrader, Tippi Moore and her husband, Rickey, April Beall and her husband, Russel, and Tina Haman and her husband, Jim.
In addition to her husband, Earl, who passed away in 2024, Delora was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Verda Eldridge; and her brother, Theodore.
The family will receive friends from 2-3:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 15, at Holley-Gamble Funeral Home, 621 S. Charles Seivers Blvd., Clinton. A service will follow at 3:30 p.m.
The family wishes to extend its heartfelt gratitude to Delora’s special caregiver, Kristy Muncey, who lovingly cared for her for nearly two years. Special thanks also go to the University of Tennessee Hospice team, including Teri McCall, Chaplain Phillip and Nurse Justin, for their compassionate care.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Delora’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Foundation, the Pat Summitt Foundation, the Humane Society or Second Harvest.