Sheri Lee Taylor

Sheri Lee Taylor, age 81, passed away peacefully with loved ones on August 31, 2026, at CHI Health Mercy Hospital.

Sheri was born and raised in Omaha, Nebraska, and spent her entire life serving the Lord through her strong Christian faith. Raised Lutheran, Sheri was a longtime member of Timothy Lutheran Church. She spent many years serving on multiple committees and church groups and was always there to lend a helping hand whenever needed. Her church was an important part of her life, and she will be remembered by those who knew her for the way she welcomed others and made them feel at home.

Sheri worked for and retired from the Internal Revenue Service. During her career, she achieved groundbreaking accomplishments. She was the first female auditor in the state of Iowa, as well as the first female Appeals Auditor in Nebraska. Her accomplishments at work were only one part of what made Sheri such a special and well loved person.

Giving her time to others was a tremendous part of Sheri's life. She volunteered for more than 25 years at the Omaha Community Playhouse. In addition, she also volunteered at Creighton University and MICAH House, as well as devoting countless hours to Timothy Lutheran Church. These were only some of the ways Sheri gave her time throughout her life. Wherever there was a need, she was often willing to step in, lend a hand, and help others.

Sheri also had a soft spot for animals. She was a strong advocate for animal welfare and supported many organizations including the World Wildlife Fund, The Kindness Ranch, and Little Longears Miniature Donkey Rescue. She adopted many senior dogs over the years, caring for them and loving them fully through their golden years, doing everything she could to make those years truly golden. She loved and cared for them as members of her own family. She is even taking 11 dogs to heaven with her, just as she always promised them she would.

Sheri formed friendships and connections throughout every part of her life. She knew so many people through church, work, volunteering, community involvement, and simply showing up for others. Many of those friendships and connections lasted for decades and became an important part of her life.

Sheri was preceded in death by her mother, Maxine Todd.

Sheri is survived by her daughter, Erin DeFrates, and son-in-law, Jim DeFrates. She also shared a lifelong bond with the Williams family and was considered like a sister to them. In her later years, she shared her home with the youngest Williams sibling, Ricky Williams. She will be deeply missed by a host of other friends and extended family whose lives she touched throughout the years.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at Timothy Lutheran Church, with the funeral service beginning at 11:00 AM. At the conclusion of the service, lunch will follow, with interment later that afternoon at Forest Lawn Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to LWML at Timothy Lutheran Church.