Obituary of Grace Mildred Sherrod

Grace Mildred Roberts Sherrod, 98, of Immokalee FL died December 1, 2017. “Mil” was born April 15, 1919 in Immokalee, FL.  She is survived by her son Phillip Sherrod of Felda and her daughter Jane Wood of Lakeland, seven grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. Her son William (Bill) Sherrod preceded her in death. Her great grandchildren called her “Greatmother” and to all who knew her she was a great lady.

Mil served as secretary of the Florida Cattlemen and was an honorary director. She has been the recipient of numerous awards and honorariums from her community, civic and professional organizations. Until she moved to Ft. Myers, she lived on the same land she was born on and has an ancestry dating back to colonial America.

Robert Roberts, her Papa, owned the Red Cattle Company of Immokalee, Florida, making the cattle industry a life-long passion for her. She kept books for the company and drove her Jeep about the ranch enjoying God’s creation. One of her favorite rides was to accompany the cowboys driving steers from the Gator Slough pasture down to Rock Lake pasture, a distance of some 30 miles. She followed the cowboys in her Jeep, providing snacks, drinks and meals for the two-day drive. She never rode a horse since her Papa never had horses for girls to ride.

The Red Cattle Company was divided in 1980 and Mil has had her own herd ever since. Mildred valued the traditions of her family and worked diligently to preserve their way of life. “Sherrod’s Heritage”, her cattle ranch in Felda, has been managed by her son Phillip for the past eight years.

Visitation for Mildred will be held Friday, December 8, 2017, 10:00 am followed by a funeral service at 11:00 am at the First Baptist Church of LaBelle. Graveside service at The Baptist Cemetery in Immokalee. A luncheon reception will follow at Felda Baptist Church in Felda.