Obituary: Sharon Griffitts Wachs

April 30, 1946 – January 3, 2024

Sharon Lynn Griffitts Wachs passed away on January 3rd after battling illness for several months. Sherry was born on April 30, 1946 in Washington DC, daughter of Dr. James J. and Leola Horton Griffitts. In 1949, her family moved to Miami, FL. Sherry attended Edison High School and was voted “Wittiest” in her class! She attended Southern Methodist University and then became a flight attendant with Northwest Orient Airlines. When she moved to Chicago, Sherry met her sister’s friend Edward (Eddie) H. Wachs and a forever-love ignited. Sherry and Eddie shared the extraordinary love of two people who have truly met their match – in energy, zest, grit, drive, and affection. They had a love that would carry them for the next 46 years of adventure as inseparable partners.

Sherry’s greatest gift was her constant drive to encourage the passions of those around her. As Eddie achieved success in business and auto-racing, Sherry was by his side, cheering him on. She devoted her time and resources to a variety of arts organizations and individual artists, transforming the lives of countless people. Sherry was also generously and joyfully devoted to her 11 nieces and nephews (and their children), for whom she was a true fairy godmother. “Aunt Bubba” enthusiastically showed up for their most important events. Sherry leaves a legacy of pizzazz, generosity, cherished memories, and a hole in our hearts that can never be filled. We will all miss her forever.

Sherry is survived by her 3 sisters: Susan Dickson of Charleston, SC; Sally Smithgall (Charles) of Atlanta, GA & Palm Beach, FL, and Shelley Griffitts of Landrum, SC; her sister-in-law Marcia Wachs Dam of Long Grove, IL; brother-in-law Charlie Wachs (Ela) of Franklin, TN . And her beloved nieces and nephews Eliot and Charlotte (Alejandro Garcia) Dam; Chad (Erika), Chris, and Michelle Wachs; Christopher (Sarah) Dickson, Jessica (William) Dean, and Charlotte Dickson; Chas (Lizeth) Smithgall, Meghan Smithgall, and Jessica (Michael) Crocker; and great nieces and nephews Thomas and Jack Dickson; Teddy Dickson; Ben and Fiona Dam; Griff Dean; Milo Chiles-Wachs; Carlos, Sofia, and Santi Smithgall; Jackson and Sally Crocker.

Donations made in her memory may be given to the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp (https://www.holeinthewallgang.org) or to the charity of your choice. A celebration of life will be held this summer.