Mark Ballard Sherkey

Mark Ballard Sherkey, 62, of Cheriton, Virginia passed away Sunday, December 21, 2008. He was born to the late William Peter and Mary Frances Ballard Sherkey, September 12, 1946, in Nassawadox, Virginia. Mark graduated from Northampton High School in 1964, received a B.A. in Physical Education in 1969, and a Master of Education in Administration in 1972 from Lynchburg College. Mark served primarily as an administrator in the Accomack and Northampton County school districts for 38 years. He has served in the capacity of both Principal and Assistant Principal at various Junior High and Senior High Schools on the Eastern Shore. At the time of his passing, he was the Assistant Principal at Nandua High School where he served since 1990. Mark was extremely passionate about making a difference in the lives of all students and faculty that he participated, led, and advised. In short, Mark's selfless service is a testament to his character, faith, dedication to his love of family and to growing tomorrow's leaders-in the classroom, on the field, and within the community. Nearly three generations of students today will attest that Mark was not only their mentor and coach; but a rock and example they proudly followed and called friend. His legacy will continue to grow with time; but certainties abound-Mark never met a stranger; he always knew how to lighten a situation; and Northampton and Accomack County School systems were benefited by Mark's untiring service. Mark is survived by his wife, Cynthia Sherkey of Cheriton, Virginia; son, MAJ Mark B. Sherkey, Jr. and wife, Krista, of Leavenworth, Kansas; daughter, Anne Marie Bott and husband, Wescott, of Eagle River, Alaska; son, John Kohler of Boston, Massachusetts; daughter, Ana Kohler of Cheriton, Virginia; and grandson, Reed Wescott Bott. A graveside service will be held Friday, December 26, 2008 at 11:00 AM from the Belle Haven Cemetery with Father J. Michael Breslin officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the S.P.C.A. Animal Shelter, P.O. Box 164, Onley, VA 23418 or to Hospice and Palliative Care of the Eastern Shore, 165 Market Street, Suite #3, Onancock, VA 23417. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.doughtyfuneralhome.com Arrangements were made by Doughty Funeral Home, Exmore.