Obituary from Holman Funeral Home of Ozark – Ozark, Alabama
Sheryl Ann Barklage Akin, born September 20, 1972, went home to be with her Lord and Savior Thursday, June 18, 2026. She was 53 years old.
A celebration of Sheryl’s life will be held 2:00 P. M. Sunday, June 21, 2026, in the Chapel of Holman Funeral Home in Ozark with Reverend Ricky Bruner officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home in Ozark Sunday from 1:00 P.M. until service time.
Though her time on earth ended far too soon, she filled her years with love, service, adventure, and deep devotion to the people she cherished most.
Sheryl proudly served her country in the United States Air Force. She carried that same strength, courage, and determination throughout her life, including during her courageous battle with metastatic breast cancer. Even in difficult seasons, she remained focused on what mattered most to her—faith, family, and the people she loved.
Sheryl was also a devoted teacher who loved her students deeply. Teaching was more than a profession to her; it was a calling. She found joy in encouraging children, celebrating their progress, and speaking life and confidence into them. Her care for children extended far beyond the classroom, and she often thought about and cared for her students long after the school day ended. The impact she made on countless young lives will continue to be felt for years to come.
A lover of adventure, Sheryl embraced life fully. She treasured traveling with her daughter, Katie, grandson, Colten, family, and loved ones, creating memories that will be cherished forever. Whether exploring the rainforests of Puerto Rico, standing in awe of the Grand Canyon, enjoying cruises with those she loved, snowmobiling through the mountains of Colorado, or soaring above North Carolina in a hot air balloon, she approached life with curiosity, enthusiasm, and gratitude for every experience. She believed life was meant to be lived and memories were meant to be made.
Even in her final months, Sheryl continued making memories with those she loved, refusing to let her illness define her life. Her strength, resilience, and determination inspired those around her and reflected the courage with which she lived every chapter of her life.
While Sheryl enjoyed seeing new places, her greatest joy was her family. She was a devoted daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend. She loved deeply and generously, always putting the needs of others before her own. She was immensely proud of her grandson, Colten, and one of her greatest motivations throughout her illness was her desire to see him graduate from high school. Being able to celebrate that milestone surrounded by family and loved ones brought her tremendous joy and peace.
Sheryl is survived by her beloved companion, Rick Sterner, whose unwavering love, support and devoted caregiving provided comfort, strength, and companionship throughout her cancer journey; her daughter, Katie Birchler; her grandson, Colten Birchler; her mother, Sidonna Brown; her sister, Shelley Bartlett; her nephew, James Bartlett; her nieces, Luv DuBose and Hope Bartlett; and her beloved cats and kittens, who filled her home and heart with companionship and love.
Sheryl had a special place in her heart for animals, particularly the many rescued and adopted cats she lovingly cared for throughout her life. Her home was often a refuge for animals in need, reflecting the compassion and kindness she freely gave to both people and pets.
In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests donation of cat food and cat litter. Sheryl leaves behind twelve beloved cats who will continue to be cared for by her family, and contributions of food and litter will directly support their ongoing care. Providing for these animals would be a meaningful way to honor Sheryl’s generous heart, her love of rescue animals, and the compassion she showed throughout her life.
Though her family grieves her loss deeply, they find comfort in knowing she is now free from pain and resting in the presence of Jesus Christ. Her legacy of courage, service, compassion, faith, adventure, and unwavering devotion to family will continue to live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know and love her.
Condolences may be expressed at www.HolmanFuneralHome.com
