Jerice Sinclair Obituary (1944 - 2023)

Jerice E. Sinclair RIPLEY & DEXTER – Jerice E. (Neal) Sinclair, 79, passed away November 15, 2023 at Mayo Hospital surrounded by her family and friend. She was born June 21, 1944 at Mayo Hospital, a daughter of Lorraine (Richard) and Robert Sheldon Neal. Jerice grew up in the Dexter area, living most of her life in Ripley. She graduated from Dexter Regional High School, Class of 1963, and attended her 60-year class reunion last summer. Jerice also graduated from Skowhegan Business School, in 1965 and later from the University of Maine Augusta in 1998. Jerice married Vernal Sinclair on July 3, 1965, remaining married until his death on March 3, 2015. In her early adult life Jerice worked along Vernal hand sewing shoes and raising 3 children. In her early 40’s she started working for the Dexter School District; first as a lunch lady, then a special needs education technician. The latter being her dream job. She retired in the early 2010’s but later returned as a foster grandparent, volunteering in the pre-K program, kindergarten and the first grade. She also volunteered up to her death and received special recognition for her dedication in the form of the Maine Volunteer Roll of Honor for 1200 hours of volunteer work rarely missing a day of school. Jerice was also spiritual, attending church every Sunday, teaching Sunday School in her younger days. She was a member of the Ripley United Methodist Church. She was also a member of the Ripley Community Club, Ripley Extension and the Ripley Historical Society. In her free time, she enjoyed writing stories and journaling, line dancing, Zumba, attending country music jams, traveling, and visiting with family and friends. Jerice was also a published author. Jerice is survived by her son, Michael Sinclair and wife Cindy Annett of Ripley; 2 daughters, Tracy Sinclair and husband Steven Lavallee of West Gardiner and Dawn Mower and husband Philip of Ripley; 4 granddaughters, Swan and Raven Sinclair, Megan Stewart and Hillary Mower; 9 great grandchildren, Carter, Brooklyn, Iris, Paige, Adrianna, Bexley, Hazen, Colton and Mason. She is survived by 3 brothers, Dale, Robert and Richard Neal; 3 sisters, Carol Shepard, Jean Bailey and Ruby Woodard; 4 sisters in law, Peggy Sinclair, Bonnie Smart, Wilma Wintle and Beverly Erving; a brother-in-law, Gary Sinclair and wife Holly; her special friend, David Sherwood; many nieces, nephews, cousins, teachers, students, good friends and neighbors, and her cat Bailey. She was predeceased by her husband Vernal, her parents and foster parents, Velma and Vernon Mayo, a sister, Joyce Corson, a brother Rodney Neal, her brothers in law, Ronnie Sinclair, Gee Wintle, Buddy Smart and Theodore Erving. Friends may call from 5 to 7 P.M Monday at Crosby & Neal, 117 Main Street, Newport, where funeral services will be held at 11 A.M. Tuesday, November 21st. Burial will be in the Ferndale Cemetery, Ripley. Those who wish may contribute to the Ridgeview Community School, 175 Fern Road, Dexter, ME 04930.