Arbor Dedicates Original Building in Honor of the Sherrill Family

Decatur, GA – October 23, 2025 — Arbor Montessori School has announced the dedication of its original building at 2998 Lavista Road in honor of the Sherrill family, whose service and leadership have shaped the school for nearly five decades. The building will now be known as The Sherrill Building, in honor and recognition of the Sherrill Family.

The dedication follows the recent passing of Dianne Sherrill, mother of Interim Head of School Alison Sherrill, who passed away peacefully on October 16th after a courageous 20-year battle with Parkinson’s disease.

Dianne Sherrill began her service to Arbor in 1977 as the school’s Business Administrator. For thirty-five years, she guided the school with remarkable dedication, ensuring its financial stability and long-term growth. Through her business acumen and financial leadership, Arbor was able to secure its permanent home at 2998 Lavista Road. Her stewardship not only made the construction of the original building possible, but also laid the foundation for decades of expansion as the school’s programs and enrollment grew.

“Dianne made the Arbor I know and love possible,” said Becca Fernandez, current Teacher and Board Trustee. “Her work behind the scenes ensured that generations of children could benefit from an authentic Montessori education. May we all pour ourselves into our work on behalf of the children as deeply as Dianne did.”

Dianne’s legacy continues through her daughter, Alison Sherrill, who has served Arbor for the past thirty years as a teacher, parent, administrator, and leader. Today, Alison serves as both Interim Head of School and Elementary Coordinator. Together, mother and daughter represent an extraordinary 65 years of combined service to the school.

A member of the Sherrill family has worked within the walls of Arbor Montessori School for 48 of the school’s 55 years, an inspiring record of continuity, commitment, and love. Their dedication and leadership have carried Arbor through moments of growth and challenge, helping the school remain true to its mission while continually striving toward excellence.

“Arbor Montessori School would not be what it is today without the vision, sacrifice, and lifelong service of the Sherrill family,” said David Tyler, Adolescent Program Coordinator, in an announcement to the parent community on October 23rd. “Naming the building in their honor is a fitting and deeply deserved recognition of their immeasurable contributions.”

In lieu of flowers, the Sherrill family has requested that donations be made to Arbor Montessori School or to the St. Vincent de Paul Society in Dianne’s memory.

We invite all community members to make a gift in honor of this dedication.

Gifts of $250 and above will be recognized by name on a plaque in the 2998 Lavista Road building lobby, to be unveiled at a dedication ceremony in the spring of 2026.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Arbor Montessori School
Lucy Bennett, Director of Advancement
communications@arbormontessori.org
(404) 321-9304