Eldora Sherman

Eldora Louise Elliott Sherman was born on January 20, 1919, in Grinnell, Iowa to Alvis Elliott and Ada Marie Martz Sherman. She was the second child of seven born to this union. Eldora was named after her father's mother, Eldora Louise Elliott. Eldora was raised on the family farm in Grinnell, Iowa until she was two years old. They then relocated to Colorado. The family lived on a farm that was located twelve miles southeast of Akron. In 1935, they moved into the city of Akron. Eldora's father purchased another farm outside of the city and Eldora and her brother, Richard both worked alongside their father. He was both amused and proud of how Eldora, who was short in stature, could mount and ride a horse; she used the front leg of the horse, like a rope and climbed up the leg, until she could reach the saddle. He was so amused at her agility; he would often have her demonstrate it to all who visited the farm. Family life and farm work was so demanding, that Eldora chose to drop out of school and help her mother with her siblings. She often said, "she never minded dropping out of school because she wasn't the best at schoolwork." Eldora accepted the Lord as her personal Savior at a very early age and was baptized. She continued to serve the Lord in spirit and truth for the remainder of her life. On July 11, 1935, while attending a Barn Dance, she met a good looking man by the name of James Sherman, who played the guitar. It was love at first site and she fell madly in love with him. This would not prove to be an easy relationship for either of them. James was a negro and she was white. They lived in an era where interracial relationships were taboo and socially not accepted. They were fortunate enough to have her sister, Helen and his sister in law, Lillie, help them plan and meet at various different places around town. In 1938, Eldora relocated to Denver, where she became a Nanny. Jim had already made the move and settled in Denver. On August 14, 1939, Eldora and Jim united in holy matrimony. Once again, social non acceptance reared its ugly head and they found out that there union was not sanctioned in Colorado. Not wavering or giving up, they went to Cheyenne, Wyoming and re did their vows. They now were officially, Mr. and Mrs. James A. Sherman. To this union, five beautiful children, Nancy Louise, Jane Alvene, Donna Marie, James Alvin "Jimmy" and John Pleasant "John John" were born. Having a love of family and children, Eldora and Jim adopted Paul and Anthony Johnson after their mother; who was Eldora's best friend, passed away. They had come from a large family with twelve children. "Dody" as she was affectionately called was a compassionate caregiver, who especially loved children. Over the years, she took care of family, friends, and neighborhood children, sometimes up to 21 at a time. Wilma Webb was one of those she provided daycare to. James and Eldora would often open their home to family and individuals who were in need. They would load up their station wagon and camper with the neighborhood children, nieces, nephews and grandchildren to attend Curtis Park Christian Center on Sundays. James was a Deacon and Sunday School Superintendent, while Eldora was a Sunday School Teacher. Later, Curtis Park would merge with Good Shepherd Baptist Church. She became the President of the Usher Board, she was Financial Secretary, Bus Driver, Janitor, Sunday School Teacher, Director of Vacation Bible School, and she worked faithfully with the Food Bank. She truly enjoyed her walk with the Lord and the fellowship shared with her church family. "Dody" was a fun loving woman, who enjoyed life and those she encircled. She enjoyed family vacations and would take her children, grandchildren, and extended family on many vacations to Yellowstone National Park, the Sand Dunes, Royal Gorge and camping at Cherry Creek Reservoir. One of favorite joys over the years was holidays. She enjoyed playing po-ke-no on New Year's Eve; a tradition started by her mother in law, Lillie and she continued doing so over the years. Eldora was a devoted wife. She and James were happily married for 60 years until his death on February 19, 1999. Eldora "Dody" will always be remembered for her strength, for her loving and caring heart and for her cooking, "which was the bomb." Her chocolate cake and her dumpling soup would rival any "Good Housekeeping recipe found. She will be missed by all who were fortunate enough to have known this strong, Christian woman who leaves a void that can never be filled. To know "Dody" was to love her. She is also preceded in death by a daughter, Nancy Sherman; her parents, Alvis and Ada Elliott; brothers, Richard (Velma) Elliott, Robert (Zadine) Elliott; sisters, Laurena (Merle) Hanset, Gladys (Clyde) Nielsen, Norma (Connie) Dannar and a great grandson, Kurt Levias, Jr. Eldora Louise Sherman departed this life to the embrace of the Lord on February 28, 2014, in Denver, Colorado. Those left to cherish her memory and mourn her loss include two daughters, Jane Landrum and Donna M. (Sam) Jefferson all of Denver; four sons, James A. (Carolon) Sherman, Aurora, John P. Sherman, Denver, Paul Johnson, Hayward, CA and Anthony Johnson, San Diego, CA; one sister, Helen Fox, Akron, CO; Sixteen grandchildren; Thirty- Five great grandchildren; Seventeen great great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins other relatives and many friends.

Funeral Home: Pipkin Braswell Funerals and Cremations - 6601 East Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO
Visitation: 3/3/2014 - Pipkin Braswell - 6601 East Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO
Service: 3/8/2014 at 11:00 AM - Friendship Baptist Church of Christ Jesus - 880 Fairfax Street, Denver, CO
Family Gathering: 3/8/2014 - Following the Memorial Service Good Shepard Baptist Church - 2814 Ivy Street, Denver, CO