Sheryll Marie Nelson was born on December 9, 1956, to Virginia and Loren Nelson in Leavenworth, Washinton. She was a member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe. Sheryll was the youngest of five daughters and one of nine children. When she was 12 years old her family moved to Fort Goff, California, following the logging industry. At age 15 she moved with her twin brother to the Hoopa Valley. Sheryll spent the next decade of her life between Hoopa and Happy Camp, before settling in Hoopa.

She was known as Aunt Clara to many and in her younger years was often found babysitting or taking care of children. She settled down with Pete White Sr. in 1991 and together they raised their combined six children. Later, after having grandchildren of her own, she was known as Granny by most of the community. Sheryll was known to adopted people and over the years her adopted family extended and included many local community members. She enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren, friends and family playing 10,000, cribbage and rummy. She would often be found in the spring peeling hazel sticks in her front yard and in the fall gathering acorns. Any other time you might find her in the casino as that was one of her favorite spots.

Sheryll passed away on October 4, 2023, in Eureka at the age of 66. She had been battling cancer and was tired. She passed peacefully and in comfort with family and friends by her side.

Sheryll is proceeded in death by her parents Virginia and Loren Nelson, her brother Michael Nelson, her spouse Pete White Sr., and her son Pete White Jr. She is survived by her children: Virginia and Merwin Clark Jr., John and Cleo Greeno, Eva White, Jason White, Eugena White. Her Grandchildren: Micah White, Elyssa Kelsey, Jerome Pollara, Pete White III, Nathan Yarborough, Bishop Lopez, Alex Lopez, Amalia Lopez, Rodney Clark, Merwin Clark III, Brently Clark, Brennen Clark, John Greeno Jr, and Faren White. Her Siblings: Mona Swanson, Jeanita Nelson and Billy Langford, Deborah and Jim Blair, Dennis Nelson, Cindy Schroeder, Gregory and Mary Nelson, Patrick and Cindy Nelson. As well as numerous nieces, nephews, friends, and extended family.

A memorial will be held for Sheryll Nelson on October 28, 2023, at the Hoopa Wildland Fire Department. Please bring your favorite dish and share your memories.