Sherry Lorene Priest Dawson succumbed to her many health issues on Feb. 2, 2026 at a hospital in Greeley, Colo. Her desire was to be cremated and later have her ashes spread in the Caribbean waters where she loved frequent vacationing.

Born on Jan. 10, 1948 at St. Mary’s hospital in North Platte to Hermel and Phyllis (Daly) Priest, she was the first born of five wonderful children. Her parents moved the family to Eugene, Mo. in 1950 to take advantage of a farming opportunity there. The family moved back to North Platte around 1960. Sherry originally attended Cole RV Elementary School, in Eugene, Mo. Additionally, she attended Eugene Christian Church where she accepted Jesus as her Savior in 1959 under Minister Dick Williams.

She is a 1966 graduate of North Platte High School. Following graduation, Sherry took a job in Texas at Northwestern Bell as a telephone operator. However, she determined Texas wasn’t the life for her. Upon returning to Nebraska, she met and married her first husband, Patrick McNeil, Sr. The two of them then moved to the “big city” of Denver, Colo. where they began raising their two children born there: Esther Cam & Lukas McNeil.

While in Denver, Sherry slowly built her career, finally owning her own business until the end of her working years. She learned about computers, along with working in the oil and gas industry; building a very successful career all without any college or degree. We honor our Mom’s ability to self-teach and to learn the intricacies of her chosen profession.

Sherry met Larry Dawson, her second husband, while living in Lakewood, Colo. They were married in North Platte in 1981. Upon Sherry and Larry’s retirement, they settled on some acreage in Fleming, Colo. where they became a small ranch owning Texas Longhorn steers: thanks to her granddaughter’s assistance.

During her lifetime, Sherry enjoyed family gatherings where she often sang with her sisters, brother, and dad while they were each still alive. She also enjoyed travel to various places including the Caribbean, Europe, and multiple trips to Mexico. She embarked on multiple cruises throughout her life and had many adventurous and memorable experiences. She once attempted a big boat cruise once, which she did not like. She preferred the live-aboard cruises and smaller trimaran sailing in the Caribbean where she sailed around for several such carefree cruises.

At the behest of Esther Cam, the family took in a foreign exchange student in seventh grade. Sherry maintained a close lifelong relationship with this young woman, Daniella Fougerat Garcia as she became an adult and began her own family. Celebrating several life milestones with her, and eventually her family, in Mexico and back in Colorado.

Sherry is survived by her children, Esther Cam and Lukas McNeil; stepsons, Patrick McNeil Jr., Craig Dawson; daughter-in-law, Tenny Dawson; grandchildren, Kalina Gustafson, Kierra Morgan (Esther Cam’s), Thomas (Alanna) McNeil (Luke’s), and Shelby and Jack Dawson (Craig’s); great grandchildren, Emma (Kierra’s), Aurora (Thomas’s) and (now adopted out); Draven and Patti; sister, Wanda (Pat) Simonson; in-laws, David Thieman, Dick (Amy) Dawson, and Gary Dawson; along with her husband, aunts, uncles, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews throughout the country.

Sherry is preceded in death by her parents, Hermel and Phyllis (Daly) Priest; parents-in-law, Richard and Alice Dawson; siblings, H. Rusty Priest, Rita (Priest) Thieman, and Janice (Priest) and Micheal “Mick” Huber; siblings-in-law, John (Sheri) Dawson, Wood (Tammy) Dawson and Dana Dawson (Gary).

Sherry may be gone, but her big personality will not be forgotten. We loved her then, we love her now, we will love her for eternity.

A private memorial service and celebration of life will be held with close family and friends on March 7 in Sterling, Colo. by invitation only.

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