Colonel Sherry L. Wainwright, USAF (retired), 68, passed away Saturday, September 3, 2016 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She was born in Falmouth, Kentucky on August 3, 1948 to Leroy and Mary Smith.

Sherry graduated High School in 1966 with honors. In 1969, Eastern Kentucky University granted her a Bachelor of Science in physical education, health, and recreation -- and an elementary and secondary teaching certificate. Subsequently she obtained a Master's Degree in Rehabilitation and Recreational Therapy for the Elderly at Southern Mississippi University.

Sherry's first job was as Assistant Director of the YMCA in Covington, Kentucky. Then in 1970, Harrison county schools hired her to teach physical education. While there she developed gymnastics and modern-dance programs for mentally and physically handicapped students. While she enjoyed teaching, she felt a need to further her education. The U.S. Air Force offered an extraordinary opportunity to serve in the military service and continue her education.

Therefore, in 1971, she entered the U.S. Air Force officer training program at San Antonio, Texas. During her career with the U.S. Air Force, Sherry had several opportunities to break gender barriers and advance the status of women in the military. She was the first female officer selected for duty as Management Analysis Operations Officer for the U.S. Air Force Recruiting Service. Later, she was selected as one of the first female officers to serve as faculty member at the U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs. In that capacity, she innovated and implemented a program for integration of women as cadets at the U.S. Air Force Academy. In connection with her service at the U.S. Air Force Academy, she was selected as an Outstanding Young Woman of America for 1976. In January 1985, she was selected as the first female officer to command a combat Support Squadron -- the 301st Combat Support Squadron at Carswell Air Force Base, Texas. In 1991, as a full Colonel, Sherry was the first female officer selected to fill a newly formed inspector-general position for a Fighter Wing. In her last assignment, she was the first female officer to serve as second-in-command to the 96th Air Base Wing Commander at Elgin Air Force Base, Florida.

In 2001 Sherry retired from the Air Force and began a second career at FEMA where she retired in 2010.

Sherry lost her battle with Alzheimer's on September 3, 2016. She will be remembered for her love of life, freedom and country by family and friends. She is survived by her sister Beverly Gifford of Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Visitation will be 5 to 7 pm Wed. Sept 7 at Moore's Southlawn, 9350 E. 51st, Tulsa, OK.

Burial Service with military honors will be Fri. Sept 9 at 9:15 at Dallas-Ft. Worth National Cemetery. Moore's Southlawn 918-663-2233