Sheryl Nash-Chisholm
February 5th, 1954 – October 11th, 2021
On February 5th 1954 the Lord blessed the late Marion and Leonard Nash with a beautiful baby girl who they named Sheryl Lee Nash.
Sheryl grew up in Queens, New York where she received her formal education. She followed her dreams after her schooling was completed, and she became a successful entrepreneur. Along with her longtime friend and partner, Jet Proctor, they opened two very successful clubs, Casablanca and the Renaissance, she also created and worked with Jazzy Dancers and Jazzy Models as their Creative Director. Yes, she was a Diva and a social butterfly, who never met a person she didn’t like.
She later married Frank Chisholm, and from this union came her beloved son Troy, whom she absolutely adored.
Sheryl was adventurous and loved to travel and try new things. She spent time in California or “Cali” as she called it, and worked at the TV station KCAL, and was featured in films like Xanadu. She had many talents and she was good at all of them.
Upon returning to New York she worked for Russell Simmons, another long time friend, at Phat Farm, where she served for many years as Marketing Specialist. Her next adventure took her to Red Hook Initiative (RHI), where she fulfilled her calling as a teacher and mentor, a job she cherished with all her heart. She also was a beloved trainer and leader at The Alex House Project, supporting teen parents. She loved working with the youth, both in and out of her neighborhood and she touched and changed countless lives. Sheryl’s neighborhood was important to her; she became a community activist and was very vocal in promoting change.
She leaves to mourn her passing, her husband Frank Chisholm, her son Troy Chisholm, Sisters Pat Hartley of Suffolk, Virginia, Karen Overton of Prince George County, Maryland, Brother Leonard “Bubby” Nash of Staten Island, New York, a special cousin Beverly Holmes of Queens, New York and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends. In addition, the entire Red Hook, Brooklyn community grieves her loss and will be forever impacted by Sheryl’s love and dedication. Sheryl’s earthly light has been dimmed, however it will continue to shine brightly within those she loved and those who loved her.
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Sheryl Chisholm helped hundreds of young people in Red Hook. Her legacy of kindness and wisdom will never be forgotten. It lives in the hundreds of young people she gave to so selflessly, many of whom have left Red Hook and gone on and lived successfully and well. It’s an irreplaceable loss for Red Hook. We thank her family for sharing her with us, and hope they take comfort knowing she is at peaceful rest and in God’s hands.
James McBride
New Brown Memorial Music Program