Thurston John Sherod

Thurston John Sherod Sr., 63, departed this earthly life on Friday, April 27, 2018 at Rockford Memorial Hospital after a long illness.  He was born Feb 23, 1955 in Rockford, son of William “Pork Chops”Sherod, Sr. and Leora Sherod. Thurston was baptized at an early age at New Zion Baptist Church and attended Liberty Baptist Church.

Thurston was a 1973 graduate of Auburn High School.  He served with honor and distinction in the U.S Air Force. Thurston married Venester Pearson on March 30, 1984.  He was a journeyman roofer for many years, eventually retiring from Rockford Public Schools as custodian.  Thurston leaves to cherish many loving memories, his wife, Venester, two sons, Thurston Jr. and Tashaun Sherod; four grandchildren, Octavia, Thurston III, Tearri, and Amari Sherod; four sisters, Elizabeth Green, Madeleine Sherod, Audris Billberry, and Alona (Edward) Foreman; sister-in-law, Sherrie Sherod; close friend, James (Brenda) Box, Otis Scott, and Richard Lerch; and a host of nieces, nephews, other  relatives and friends;  Thurston was predeceased by his parents, brothers, William Sherod, Jr. and Andre Brown; mother-in-law, Annie Lee Pearson Jackson; father-in-law, Lee H. Pearson.

Thurston was a strong, but quiet man, who was devoted to his wife, children, and family until the very end. He was a dedicated grandfather who loved to spend quality time with his grandchildren and great-grandson.  

He was an artistic storyteller and jokester, who had an art for capturing an audience; and a laugh that would shake a room. Thurston never met a stranger; he always had time to talk, teach, and educate everyone who would listen.

Thurston’s love to sing and dance, led him to becomethe lead vocalist and a founding member of the Rockford area band “Sagittarius Movement.”  Thurston went on to perform throughout Northern Illinois for over 25 years with one of his closest friend, Harlan Jefferson.

He was an avid sports fanatic and a lifelong fan of the New Orleans Saints, Houston Rockets and a proud Auburn Knight, who loved to attend games regularly.

Thurston was loved and will be missed immensely by his family and friends.

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