McCormick, Sheryl
MCCORMICK, Sheryl
With profound sadness, we mourn the loss of Patricia "Sheryl" Auerbach McCormick of Atlanta, who died September 23, 2021, after a brief battle with cancer. Sheryl was 70 years old and is predeceased by husband Donnie McCormick and parents Bennie (Bobo) and Sylvia Auerbach. Sheryl leaves behind two children, Joshua Gene McCormick, and Casey McCormick, 1-year-old grandchild Levon McCormick, sisters Elaine Alexander and Jill Auerbach (Tim Crimmins), dear family friend Sheila Clark, and several nieces and a nephew. A proud native Atlantan, Sheryl attended the Hebrew Academy, Henry Grady High School, Georgia State University, and John Marshall Law School. Sheryl was a trailblazing real estate attorney who practiced law in Atlanta for over 40 years. Over the course of her career, she was fortunate to work with her dad, as well as her son. She earned a reputation as a friendly and conscientious attorney who often donated her legal expertise to clients who were facing difficult circumstances. Her strong sense of fairness was evident in all her business practices. Working in her signature blue jeans and tennis shoes, Sheryl empowered thousands of homeowners from all walks of life over her many years of law practice. She retired just months before her death. Sheryl grew up in the Morningside area of Atlanta and moved to Marietta after starting her own family. While working to support the household, Sheryl was an involved parent during her children's school-age years--coaching sports, helping with homework, and organizing family trips. She cherished the mountains and the beach, loved live music, and could recite Shakespeare and Beatles lyrics from memory. She encouraged those around her not to take life too seriously and try to find a "happy medium" in everything. One of her favorite poems was "If" by Rudyard Kipling, which was inspired by her mother. She was quietly but deeply spiritual and had a keen appreciation for philosophical inquiry, a trait expressed in her recent love of The Good Place. Her intelligence and wit were instantly recognizable to all who met her, and it wasn't uncommon for her to swap life stories with a stranger at the grocery store. Sheryl was a devoted Atlanta sports fan, following in the tradition of the Auerbach family. As long-time Falcon season ticket holders, Sheryl attended games regularly throughout the years. Josh, along with his cousin Mickey, were often camped on Sheryl's sofa for Falcons away games. During basketball seasons, Sheryl and Josh were regulars at Hawks games, always decked out in Hawks jerseys and cheering with enthusiasm. Sheryl had the joy of being at several of the 2021 Eastern Conference games, remaining a passionate Hawks fan until her last days. As her loved ones move forward, it is with heavy hearts, but also with hope that Sheryl has found peace. She always had the greatest empathy for others and a genuine desire to do good. In that spirit, her children ask that in her honor, you be kind to each other. Donations can be made to the Southern Poverty Law Center (https://www.splcenter.org/support-us), an organization that Sheryl supported for many years.
