April Dianna Sherrill

April Dianna Hollis Sherrill November 29, 1946-June 22, 2021 April Dianna Hollis Sherrill was born in Visalia, CA on November 29, 1946 to John and Carmalytta Hollis. She passed away at her home in Visalia on June 22, 2021 at the age of 74. She lived her life with a generous heart and kindness that few could match. April is survived by her siblings Frank DiMeco, Candace Whitendale, and John Hollis, her children Dianna Sherrill, Andrea Sherrill, Jered Sherrill and Deborah Sherrill, numerous nieces and nephews, and two honorary grandchildren. April was raised in Visalia. She attended Mt. Whitney High School, involved in swimming and played the violin in orchestra, and graduated in 1964 followed by College of the Sequoias in 1966. After a five-year military journey with her then husband, Jerry, they settled back in Visalia. They had four children. In the early 80's she immersed herself in the local art world. It was in the visual arts that she most exceled. She worked in many visual medias including bronze casting, pen and ink, watercolor, murals, pastels, architectural design and airbrush, but where she was particularly gifted was painting. Working in oils and acrylic she created portraits and architectural renderings of startling beauty, accuracy and depth. April used her immense talents to support her family and put herself through college. She worked at Visalia Leisure Services, as a draftsman for a local interior design firm, and painted commissioned portraits and renderings. She graduated CSU Fresno in 1988 with a BA in Fine Arts. April used her degree and talents to build a career of over 25 years as an art teacher for College of the Sequoias and Visalia Unified Schools. She finished her career at Redwood High School in 2011. In addition to artistic techniques, she was interested in historical biographies, gardening, animals and the why of things she was always learning something new. April was an amazing and devoted mother. She loved her children and it was that love that gave her the strength to pursue and find stability for their future. Everything she put her hand to brought beauty into our lives. She had an uncanny ability to reach people in a deep and positive way. She always had a welcoming smile for the neighborhood children, friends of her children, and 10 years of Mt. Whitney High School Marching Band members as a Band Mom and Booster. She will be lovingly remembered by her children and those she claimed along the way as patient and kind. And it is this immeasurable kindness that was truly the heart of her, a life that bore kindness to all and malice toward none. She will be deeply missed by friends, family, and all that knew her. A celebration of life to remember April will be held on Friday, July 9, 2021 at 4pm at Salser and Dillard Funeral Chapel, 127 E. Caldwell Ave., Visalia. Tributes, condolences, life celebration slideshow, and live streaming of the funeral service can be made and/or observed at www.salseranddillard.com

April Dianna Sherrill

November 29, 1946 - June 22, 2021