The community is remembering and mourning the loss of a local business owner, as Sherry Ezell Calhoun passed away following a two-and-a-half-year battle with cancer.
Known to the community as the founder and owner of Gracious Me!, Calhoun is survived by her husband of 47 years, Earl Calhoun, her mother Patsy Ezell, her daughters Ashley Smith and Andrea Calhoun, along with a brother, sister and two grand-children. A longtime stay at home mother who put the focus on family, generosity and hospitality, Calhoun opened Gracious Me! in 2005.
Since it’s opening, the business and Calhoun have earned many awards, including the ICON Honors Award at AmericasMart in Atlanta, Georgia which honors innovation and achievement in the home and gift industry. Other awards include the Spirit of Entrepreneurism, Community Partner Award, “Best Place to Buy a Gift” awards and the Horizon Award for economic achievement, in Christian County.
Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Friday at New Work Fellowship, with burial will follow at the Calhoun Family Farm. Hughart, Beard & Giles Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements and visitation will be Thursday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the church.
Gracious Me! will be open until 5:30 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. on Thursday and Saturday, and then will be closed for the day on Friday. Donations can be made in her honor to Vanderbilt Breast Center, New Work Fellowship or Max’s Hope Pet Rescue.
Her family says Calhoun lived each day representing love, kindness, inclusivity and faithfulness.