Paul Louis Sherwood had the right personality for the job. A funeral director for more than 50 years, his gentle disposition helped him to excel in a business where sensitivity and compassion are vital for success.
“He was a kind and gentle man,” said Marcus Wimby, Sherwood’s great nephew and CEO of Haugabrooks Funeral Home. “He taught me patience.”
Sherwood stressed the importance of tact and good communication when dealing with grieving families. “He said you have to listen,” Wimby said. “You can’t rush them. You have to be patient and let them sort things out.”
According to son Ronald Sherwood of East Point, his father most enjoyed interacting with people and families. “He was a people person,” he said.
L.P. Sherwood knew that discretion was key when comforting grieving families. And, when he felt it was appropriate, he would find a way to bring a little light to the situation.
“He would try to say something to make them laugh, to sort of lighten the burden,” Wimby said.
Paul Louis Sherwood of Atlanta, affectionately known as “L.P.,” died Jan. 12 of natural causes. He was 89. A funeral was held Friday at Pilgrim Baptist Church in Atlanta. Haugabrooks Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Born and raised in Atlanta, Sherwood graduated from Booker T. Washington High School and studied mortuary science at Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Service, becoming a licensed funeral director and embalmer. He started his career at Haugabrooks Funeral Home when his aunt, Geneva Moton Haugabrooks, who opened the business in 1929 along Atlanta’s Auburn Avenue, entrusted him and a second relative with its general management.
James M. Tucker, who worked as a mortician with Sherwood for more than 40 years, said that building and maintaining relationships with families was a top priority for Sherwood.
When asked about the most valuable skill he learned from Sherwood, Tucker said, “He taught me how to get along with people.”
Sherwood was dedicated to his work and “did things professionally to ensure that the business remained in good standing,” according to Tucker. “He always pointed out things that could be better,” he said.
Marcus Wimby credits his practice of arriving early for work to Sherwood. “He always said, ‘Get there early because you never know what’s going to happen,’” Wimby said.
Marcus Wimby said his great uncle finally decided to retire about five years ago. “He walked in one Saturday and said, “I’ve been here over 50 years. … I want to go home and stay in my pajamas all day,” Wimby said.
In addition to his son, Sherwood is survived by a daughter, Helen Coleman; a second son, Michael Sherwood; 12 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.
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