Rev. Sherian Lynn Carr, 73, of Belmont, NC. Passed away Friday, April 1, 2022 at The Ivy at Gastonia. Celebration of her life will be held Wednesday, April 13, 2022 at Thompson Chapel AME Zion Church 6017 Waxhaw HWY , Mineral Springs, NC 28108. Visitation will begin at 11:00 am and the Service will follow at 12:00 pm. Interment will be in the Henry Chapel AME Zion Church Cemetery 348 Henry Chapel Rd. Belmont, NC 28012.
Sherian Lynn Carr, daughter of William and Pauline Carr, was born in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina on June 23, 1948. She departed this earthly life to be with the Lord on April 1, 2022 while at the Ivy nursing care facility in Gastonia, NC. Sherian was the mother of a dearly beloved son, William Jeffrey Carr. Sherian graduated from West Charlotte Senior High School in Charlotte, NC. She completed four years of formal ministerial studies through the Western North Carolina Annual Conference of the AME Zion Church, receiving ordination as Deacon and Elder. In 1999 she was appointed to the Pastoral Charge of Thompson Chapel AME Zion Church in Mineral Springs, NC.
Prior to that appointment, Sherian was on the ministerial staff of Gethsemane AME Zion Church in Charlotte, NC during the tenure of Rev. Dr. George E. Battle, Jr., who was her mentor and who taught her to persevere through doubts and grow in godly wisdom. While at Gethsemane, Sherian, among other roles, was Youth Director and teacher/advisor in Christian Education.
Sherian had many demanding duties and responsibilities over the years to which she devoted herself whole-heartedly and seemingly tirelessly even while experiencing personal challenges and battling several serious illnesses. These duties included her ministry work, holding full-time employment as a customer service representative and trainer, being a loving mother, helping care for her own aging mother, and engaging in community service such as working on scholarship committees and serving as a Big Sister and Hospice Chaplain.
Sherian was greatly passionate about and fully dedicated to her work at Thompson Chapel. She aimed to do more than preach, but also to serve and care for her flock and others in the true spirit of pastorship. According to her church members, Rev. Carr nurtured their spiritual maturity and discipleship, counseled their family members, shared life-lessons, was greatly inspiring and encouraging, and was energetic, resourceful and creative. She had a special place in her heart for the children and youth of her church. She provided guidance and taught them in ways they could understand, created opportunities for them to be active in church life, and promoted self-esteem by regularly acknowledging their varied achievements. Sherian displayed an outpouring of love and was dearly loved. Sherian also served on District-level boards and committees, supported other Zion churches, promoted inter-denominational relationships, and helped mentor several female prospective ministers.
Based on comments of colleagues in the ministry, Sherian was well-known and respected as a strong, hardworking and outspoken leader; a great pastor who did marvelous work; a dynamic teacher; and shepherd of a great congregation that, although small in number, had a large presence and influence in the community and the church District.
Sherian dearly cherished and was supportive of her immediate and extended family—a family that loved her beyond measure. She was a serious but not somber person. She had a great sense of humor and liked games and jokes. She had a special talent for making family and church gatherings fun.
Sherian’s life reflected the sentiment: “If You can use anything, Lord, use me.” It might be said she took too little time to rest and refuel. Yet, through prayer and faith she was “kept by the power of God” to pursue her purpose in life. She will be missed, but memories of her will be long-cherished by many.
Sherian was preceded in death by her parents William and Pauline Carr, and her brother, Carl Lee Dixon. She is survived by: her son, William Jeffrey Carr; two sisters, Willine Carr and Jackquelyn Carr; a sister-in-law, Vera Ann Dixon; a niece, Carla Katrina Dixon; a nephew Reginald Dixon; a grand-nephew, Brandon Gilmore; and a host of cousins and dear friends.
