Sherlyn Kay Walker Noda, age 74, of Live Oak, Fla., passed away peacefully Monday, April 12, 2021, at her daughter's residence in Trenton, Fla.
Noda was born in Fort Myers, Fla., to Luther and Clara Walker. Raised in Cross City, Fla., she spent much of her youth enjoying fishing and hunting with her family. She was of Baptist faith and very active in church activities, sports and music. Even at an early age, Noda recognized her life's calling to help others. This ultimately became the foundation for her life. After high school, Noda became a registered nurse, graduating from the second ever graduating R.N. class of Lake City Community College. Her work led her to the Tampa area, where she then met her husband Jack. The Noda's enjoyed many successful years owning a Badcock Home Furnishing store in Eastman, Ga., while Noda continued her nursing career. She also spent many hours supporting her children in their activities. She was the ultimate softball, football and baseball mom. Never missing a game, she was forever the taxi driver, cheerleader and, of course, nurse. Eventually, the family moved back to Florida and lived in Live Oak. With a desire to improve patient care and to pass on knowledge learned in the field, in 2008 Noda opened Quest Training Services, a nursing assistant program. The program Noda designed helped approximately two thousand people earn CNA certifications and enabled them to have a better future. She considered her students' journey part of her own. It was her life's passion and a God given gift to teach others. Noda was a devoted wife and a loving mother and grandmother. She not only wanted the very best for her family, but for her students and everyone with whom she came in contact.
She is survived by her husband of 52 years, Jack Noda of Live Oak; her daughter, Shelleen Hunt (Noda) of Trenton; two sons, Alex Noda of Cedar Key, Fla. and Micah Noda (Amanda) of Trenton; four grandchildren: Isabella Noda, Titus Noda, Silas Noda and Ava Noda; her sister, Kitty Walker Tew of Trenton; her nephew, John Ross (Cindy) of Trenton; and two great nephews, Thomas Ross and Andrew Ross.
Funeral services for Noda were held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 17, 2021, at the Rick Gooding Funeral Home Cross City Chapel, with Pasto Rocky McKinley officiating. Interment followed in Cross City Cemetery. The family received friends at the funeral home prior to the service.
Arrangements were placed under the care of the Rick Gooding Funeral Home Cross City Chapel, with locations in Cross City (352) 498-5400 and Chiefland (352) 493-0050. Please sign the online guest book at rickgoodingfuneralhomes.com.