The Rev. Sherodd R. Albritton

Sherodd R. Albritton, 84, a retired clergyman with the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia, died Saturday, December 22, at his home in Winchester, Virginia, after a long struggle with Parkinson's Disease. Sherry was born in Brewster, FL. Demonstrating his talent for music from an early age, he entered and won piano competitions to critical acclaim. His pursuit of a musical degree was interrupted by WWII, when he was drafted. In the Army, he served in several overseas campaigns, including the Battle of the Bulge. After the war, he finished his Bachelor of Arts in Music at Furman University. He went on to receive Bachelor's and Master's Degrees in Music at the Yale School of Music. He spent a year studying in Florence before returning to a position in the Music Department at Goucher College, Baltimore. Eventually becoming chairman of the music department, he met and married his lifelong love, Margaret J. Macneal Albritton. He then went on to earn a Master of Divinity from the Virginia Theological Seminary in Alexandria, Virginia. Ordained to the priesthood in May of 1966, he served in several parishes, including Corning, NY, Macon, GA, and Alexandria, VA, finally returning to become Professor of Homiletics, Speech, and Music at the Seminary, where he stayed until his retirement 17 years later. During his lifetime, Sherry composed music; led multiple choirs, incuding choirs at Immanuel Church on the Hill and the Church of the Resurrection; and conducted classes in music appreciation. Very active in retirement, he enjoyed mountain climbing, musical performances with his wife, and several interim ministries.

He is survived by his wife, Margaret J. Albritton of Winchester, VA; two sons, Peter C. Albritton of Alexandria, VA, and David Albritton of Stephens City, VA; three daughters, Penelope Albritton of Falls Church, VA, Elisabeth Horst of Stillwater MN, and Sarah Wiederkehr of Arlington, VA; one sister, Penelope Smith of Charles City, IA; 11 grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

A memorial service celebrating Sherry's life will be held January 12, 2008, at 2:30 p.m. at Virginia Theological Seminary in Alexandria, Virginia, with the Right Rev. Peter James Lee officiating.

Interment will be in the Virginia Theological Seminary Cemetery in Alexandria, Virginia.

I lieu of flowers or donations, contributions may be sent to:

Virginia Theological Seminary 3737 Seminary Road         Alexandria, VA 22304

Blue Ridge Hospice 333 W. Cork Street        Winchester, VA 22601

Ministry of Comfort Entrusted To Cartwright Funeral Home Winchester, Virginia