Sherry Nicholson Nave

Sherry Nicholson Nave

“Nonnie”

Sherry Nicholson Nave, age 77, passed away on December 29, 2025, at her home in Gulfport after a courageous 6-year battle with cancer. She was born in Gulfport, MS on October 10, 1948, where she remained a lifelong resident.

Sherry’s parents, Kenneth and Viola Howle Nicholson, proceeded her in death. She is survived by her loving husband of 41 years, Tom Nave; two beloved sons, Chris Loposser (Candice) and Jonathan Nave (Jennifer) all of Gulfport; grandchildren, Tyler Loposser of Gulfport, Kate Loposser Largen (Sam) of Hattiesburg, Christian Nave and Peyton Nave, both of Gulfport; and one sister, her best friend, Debbie Nicholson also of Gulfport.

Sherry grew up in the Handsboro community and graduated from Gulfport High School with honors in 1966. During her high school years, she was the accompanist for the Gulfport Singers. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in Library Science from the University of Southern Mississippi in 1979 and a Master of Library Science degree in 1982 also from USM. She graduated with honors in both programs.

Sherry began her federal service in 1972 as secretary to the Chief Librarian of the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Biloxi. This stimulated her interest in library science, and in 1979 she was promoted to Medical Librarian at the Biloxi VA. She was transferred to the Keesler Air Force Base Medical Center as Administrative Librarian in 1985. She became certified in 1990 at the senior level in the Academy of Health Information Professionals, the credentialing body of the Medical Library Association. She was an active member of the Federal Libraries Section of the Medical Library Association, where she served as treasurer. She also served as president of the Mississippi Biomedical Library Association and the Gulf Coast Biomedical Library Consortium.

Sherry became a library adjunct at the Harrison County Campus of Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College in 2000. After her retirement from KAFB in 2004, she continued in that position at the college until May 2025.

Following her retirement from fulltime employment, Sherry jumped right into the “volunteer scene” at grandson Tyler’s school. After her many hours of work in the library at Anniston Avenue Elementary, she was awarded “Parent of the Year” for AAE 2007-2008, an award she truly cherished.

Sherry loved reading, daily journaling, working jigsaw and crossword puzzles, antique shopping, Azalea spa days, Ole Miss Rebel football, Seinfeld, Monday Salute lunches with her sister, celebrating her children and grandchildren, and most of all, she loved traveling with Tom to his hometown in east Tennessee. She cared deeply for her friends and nurtured those friendships through sending cards and letters, making phone calls, giving special gifts, and planning lunches. She considered her friendship with her “bestie”, Carolyn Morgan Graham, one of her greatest blessings in life. They became friends in junior high school.

Sherry was a longtime member of Handsboro Baptist Church in Gulfport. She served faithfully in the areas of finance, children, and music. Weekly she changed the church sign and volunteered monthly in the food pantry outreach. She received her greatest joy in service through her piano music. Sherry practiced hours to lead the congregation in true worship through her beautiful music.

Sherry’s grace, kindness, and thoughtfulness will be missed greatly.

The family wishes to thank these who have helped so compassionately the last few weeks: Deaconess HomeCare, St. Joseph Hospice, Beach Pharmacy, Riemann Family Funeral Home staff, Caregivers: Angela Cook, Karla Dumal, Frankie Pruitt, and Addie Smith, Handsboro Baptist Church family, and Dr. Louis (Matt) Varner who was more than Sherry’s doctor, he was a caring friend.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Handsboro Baptist Church, (Food Pantry), 1421 East Pass Road, Gulfport, MS 39507.

Celebration of Sherry’s Life

Saturday, January 24, 2026

11:00 am

Handsboro Baptist Church

Visitation (lunch included)

11:45-1:45

HBC Activities Building

(south end of property)

The Riemann Family Funeral Home, Gulfport, is serving the family.