Women’s History and Wilma Sherrill…she definitely made it.

by Terri King on Mar.10, 2010, under Honoring Southern Appalachian Women

March is National Women’s History Month and the March 2010 Southern Appalachian Woman is Wilma Sherrill.

Wilma’s journey began as a farmer’s daughter. She learned the value of hard work and integrity. She became a successful businesswoman and later retired from her position in the NC State House of Representatives in 2006.

Wilma lost her mother at the age of 15, lost her father to homicide, fought breast cancer twice and WON!

I asked Wilma, “After a lifetime of experiences, what would you say to others coming along behind you in business and civic involvement?” She said, ” Be true to yourself in all you do and honor your word. If you tell someone you’ll do something, do it!”

If the world would adhere to these two concepts alone, it would be a better place. She also believes we are all talented in different ways and each person should seek to recognize that talent, embrace it, and work to develop it.

And one more thing I learned from Wilma as I watched her sparkling blue eyes draw into sharp focus while she made her opinions clear, you can play hardball with the big boys and still flash a classy, beautiful, femine smile.

From farm girl to one of the area’s most influential people, Wilma has blazed a trail that the women in history would be proud of, the women today are benfactors of, and the women of tomorrow may build on.

Her many years of public service are stacked with awards and accolades for her work advocating for women and children. Google “Wilma Sherrill” for more info on her.

Terri King