Dr. Stephen Paul Halverson

Cheryl Halverson, 77, of Cataula, GA died Friday, November 18, 2022 at St. Francis Emory Healthcare.

Her loving husband Dr. Stephen Paul Halverson, 78, joined Sherry just a short 7 months later when he passed away at their home in Cataula, on Wednesday, June 28, 2023, one day before their 55th wedding anniversary.

A private family service was held at the couples’ home.

Sherry was born July 20, 1945 in West Hartford, CT, to the late Frederick Haywood Lunn and Winifred Heslin Lunn.  She completed her undergraduate degree at Syracuse University and received her Master’s Degree in Education, majoring in English/Language Arts from Columbus State University. A lifelong educator, Sherry retired from Brookstone School in 2005 after more than 20 years as a Middle School Language Arts and Literature teacher.

Steve was born February 2, 1945 in Owatonna, MN, to the late Dr. Paul M. Halverson and Julie R. Halverson. He completed his undergraduate degree at Syracuse University and received both his Master’s Degree and Ed.D. from the University of Georgia. A lifelong educator as Sherry was, Steve retired as the Associate Dean of Education at Columbus State University in 2003 after 30 years and was named Professor Emeritus of the College of Education of CSU in 2004.

Steve and Sherry met at the Cavalry Country Club in Manlius, NY, the story of their meeting always bringing smiles to their daughters when it was shared. The couple married in June 1968 and then moved to Athens, GA where Steve completed his doctorate work at UGA and Sherry taught in the Athens school system. They moved to Columbus in 1973 as Steve began his life- long career in higher education with then-named Columbus College. Sherry taught at the Alternative School of Columbus before joining the faculty at Brookstone School in 1989. Their daughters will cherish the thoughts of how many students’ lives both of their parents enriched in their roles as educators in Columbus for decades.

Sherry and Steve lived their lives as best friends, partners, and each other’s biggest fan. They taught their daughters with patience, unconditional love and support, and understanding. They led and loved by example through their loving and enduring marriage.

Sherry and Steve enjoyed many travels in their retirements, including trips to hike, whale watch and explore Acadia National Park in Maine, cruise through Alaska, zip line in Costa Rica, traverse the Panama Canal, enjoy lobsters and lighthouses in Nova Scotia, and explore various of parts of Europe, including London, Paris, Ireland, and Norway. Their 4 grandchildren have fond memories of many summer family vacations spent together in Seagrove Beach, FL and the North Georgia mountains. As much as the two loved to travel, they equally enjoyed the time spent in their home of 23 years in Cataula where they loved nothing more than working in the yard and around their pool together, creating projects that brought their visions for their sanctuary to fruition. Both Steve and Sherry were proud to have had their yard declared a Certified Wildlife Habitat by the National Wildlife Federation.

Steve is preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Julie Halverson, and his brother Dr. John Halverson. The family takes much comfort as Sherry and Steve are now reunited with them

The couple is survived by their two daughters, Laura Finley (Brad) of Grosse Pointe, MI, and Jenna Pollard (John) of Columbus, GA; and 4 grandchildren, Brenna, Garrett, Charlie, and  Riley; as well as two nephews, two nieces, and beloved friends. Sherry is preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Wynne Lunn, and her sister Susan Lunn.