Sherry "Mamaw" Timm McMillan

Sherry "Mamaw" Timm McMillan, 87, of Knoxville, TN, passed away on May 28, 2026. Born in the Brown Mountain Community of South Knoxville, Sherry was a Young High School graduate, a founding member of Kitchen Sales in 1968, and a valued member of the banking community. She was also a proud member of Colonial Heights Methodist Church.

In retirement, Sherry devoted herself to serving others through Meals on Wheels, Kim's Free Medical Clinic, The Fish Pantry, and local elementary schools, and spending quality time with her beloved grandchildren, giving her time as freely and generously as she gave her love.

Sherry was quite simply one of a kind—spunky, witty, and full of life. She had a rare gift for lighting up a room and making ordinary moments feel special. To know her was to laugh, feel loved, and never want to leave. Her friends meant the world to her, and family was the center of her heart. She will be forever remembered for the boundless joy she brought to everyone around her.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Jeanetta “Jean” Knott; father, John S. Knott; brother, Ronald Knott; son, Chris Sheridan Mayfield; grandson, Daxton Cory Burkhart.

She leaves behind a family who adored her beyond words, her husband, Michael McMillan; daughter, Mary Pat Cox, and husband Gary; grandchildren, Georgia (Ben) Lee, Logan (Abbie) Burkhart, Haley (David) Burkhart, Kristi (Mitch) Castleman, and Patrick (Samantha) Mayfield, as well as nine treasured great-grandchildren. Her grandchildren were the apple of her eye. The family would like to send a special thank you to Sherry's namesake and first cousin Sherry Lynn Knott, who helped Sherry during her final days and hours.

In true Sherry fashion, she wanted those she loved to gather not in sorrow alone, but in celebration, to share stories, laughter, and the kind of joyful togetherness she was known for all her life. A celebration in her honor will be held at the home of her daughter and son-in-law on June 7, 2026, with a gathering of friends from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm with a eulogy and stories to follow at 7:00 pm. Her absence leaves an immeasurable void. She was the heart of her family, and her loss will be deeply felt by her family, her many friends, and all who had the joy of knowing her. She leaves behind a legacy of laughter, generosity, devotion, and love that will live on in all who knew her.