Sheryl grew up in Mishawaka, Indiana, graduating from high school with the Mishawaka High Class of 1968. She completed a B.S. in speech pathology at Indiana State University and a master of education degree at Georgia State University.

In October 1994, in New Hanover County, North Carolina, she married Tom Pacelli.

Professionally, she provided continuing education for mental health professionals in Wilmington, North Carolina, area. For 26 years she was the Director of Mental Health at Coastal AHEC. Personally, she loved life: She enjoyed going out to dinner, playing cards, going to movies and the theater, playing Mah Jongg, teaching line-dance to senior citizens. She was survived by her husband.