Otha Lee Sherrill, Jr.: Legendary Educator
The name O.L. Sherrill evokes memories and praise from countless residents of Asheville, NC.
A legendary educator, he was a role model and pioneer for Black educators for over 30 years, serving as a teacher, dean of boys, and principal of several schools, including as the first African American principal at Asheville High School.
Born September 24, 1931, in Statesville, NC, to the late Otha Lee Sherrill, Sr. and Bertie Sherrill-Brown, he died June 1, 2021, at the age of 89. He graduated from Morningside High School in Statesville, then earned his BS and MEd. from NC A&T University, followed by an Education Specialist degree from Western Carolina University in Cullowhee. He was also a proud member of Phi Beta Sigma fraternity.
O.L., as he was universally known, taught for one year in South Hill, VA, before being drafted into the US Navy. After his military service, he coached basketball and taught Physical Education and Social Studies in the Mooresville (NC) schools until 1962, when the Asheville City School System hired him to teach at the still-segregated Hill Street School.
After a year he transferred to Stephens-Lee High School, and then to South French Broad HS, where he was appointed Dean of Boys and Assistant Principal.
In 1969, 15 years after the Brown v. Board of Education decision calling for integration of public schools, the all-Black SFB HS and all-white Lee Edwards HS merged, and O.L. became Assistant Principal and Dean of Boys in the desegregated high school. Four years later he was named principal at William Randolph Elementary; then of Hall Fletcher Middle School; and then back at the renamed Asheville High School, from which he retired in 1989.
Among the honors accruing to O.L. Sherrill during his 31-year career was being named NC Principal of the year in 1980. He was an active member of the NC Teachers Association, NC Division of Principals (past president), National Association of Elementary and Secondary principals, NC High School Athletic Association, and a life member of the NAACP; and served on the boards of the Buncombe County Board of Elections, United Way, the NC Department of Social Services, Black Mountain Health Initiative, and Oak Grove Cemetery.
He was also a member of Mills Chapel Baptist Church, where he taught Sunday School and served as Sunday School superintendent and as a trustee; and of Mt. Allen Lodge Black Mountain #708 and Gizeh Temple #162 Asheville, where he served in numerous offices.
O.L. Sherrill, Jr. was preceded in death by his wife Jessie, his daughter Wanda Denise Sherrill-Fulp, and his sister Ann Sherrill. Left to cherish his memory are his son Keith (Yerly) of Charlotte; brother James Brown (Elizabeth), and sister Mary Daniels, both of Statesville; and a host of other relatives and friends. A Homegoing Celebration was held Saturday, June 12, followed by interment at the New Oak Grove Cemetery.
