Sherry Dale Ryder Micelle

Sherry Dale Ryder Micelle, 86, passed away peacefully on Monday, October 6, 2025, in her home at Lake Charles, Louisiana. She was born on December 22, 1938, in Jennings, Louisiana, to Eula Sonnier and Kenney Ryder.

Sherry graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in Port Arthur, Texas, and later attended Durham Business School in Beaumont, Texas. She worked at the Better Business Bureau and in the Micelle family business. She was actively involved in her community, faithfully participating in the St. Joseph Altar each year.

A loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and “Old Maw Maw,” Sherry’s greatest joy was spending time with her family, especially babysitting and spoiling her great-grandchildren. She never met a stranger and touched countless lives with her warmth and generosity.

Throughout her life, she took on many roles—softball coach, Girl Scout leader, band booster president—and pursued many hobbies including embroidery, sewing, card games, dominoes, dancing, and reading.

Those left to cherish her memory include her children: Marie Pilkerton, Victor Micelle Jr., Jessica Freeman (Craig), and Jason Micelle; sisters: Evyonne Foreman, Candy Gambrell, and Sylvia Rogers; brother-in-law: Jack Smith; grandchildren: Dana Evans (Derek), Melissa Holbrook (Richard), Justin Freeman (Jennie), Johnny Freeman, Kayla Freeman, Dylan Pilkerton, and Jason Pilkerton (April); great-grandchildren: Derek Evans Jr., Dylan Evans, Josh Pruitt, Carter Pruitt, Emily Whetstone, Isabella Holbrook, Nevaeh Holbrook, Kendall Freeman and Karson Freeman; and great-great-grandchildren: Dalani Evans and Damir Evans.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband of 39 years, Victor Micelle Sr.; her sister, Stella Ryder; and her grandson, Karson Henry Freeman.

Pallbearers will be: Justin Freeman, Johnny Freeman, Derek Evans, Richard Holbrook, Dylan Pilkerton, Josh Pruitt, and Carter Pruitt.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, October 10, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Johnson Funeral Home on Lake Street. Visitation will begin Thursday, October 9, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Johnson Funeral Home, and will resume Friday at 9:00 a.m. until the time of service. A Cursillo Rosary will be recited at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday. Burial will follow at Consolata Cemetery.