By NIVA DOROUGH / Community Columnist

Elizabeth Whitfield Sherrell — Liz to her friends — grew up in Westover in a loving family with four brothers. As a young girl, she learned about the love of God and service to others.

She attended Mount Zion Baptist Church where her mother, Blanche Whitfield, served as women’s missionary union director for 30 years. Sherrell said she grew to have a passion for missions, as she read the books her mother was preparing to teach.

Sherrell married just out of high school and began a family. She was blessed with a wonderful son and daughter. During this time, she experienced many trials and found herself as a single working mom. After being out of state for several years, she returned home thinking she had completely missed her calling in life. At home is where she met her wonderful husband, Lamar, and they have made their home in Westover for 29 years. They enjoy camping and spending time with their children and grandchildren.

Sherrell is presently operations director for King’s Home (formerly The King’s Ranch and Hannah Homes) in Chelsea, serving there for more than 22 years. King’s Home provides Christ centered group homes, resources for youth, single women and women with children who are fleeing domestic violence and abuse.

While working full time, Sherrell returned to college and earned a master and specialist degree in Christian counseling. Much of her studies were in the area of domestic violence. Her studies, blended with her work, personal experiences and experiences in the lives of those she serves, have been the catalyst for writing her recently published book. Her book, “Do You See This Woman?” is a believer’s guide to domestic violence and abuse.

Since October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Elizabeth’s agenda is to educate lay leaders in local churches and individuals to be equipped to discern, support and reach out to victims of domestic violence and abuse. Her ministry, “Hope’s Door,” is based on Hosea 2:15, “transforming your valley of troubles into a door of hope.” Through this ministry and her new book, she hopes to share hope with those who are experiencing difficulties in this area.

The book is available now, and Sherrell is scheduled for a book signing Tuesday, Oct. 4, from 9 a.m. to noon and 4 to 7 p.m. at Ekklesia Coffee House, 109 Foothills Parkway, Chelsea.

She is also available for seminars and workshops by appointment. Sherrell is not only an author, but a great friend to myself and numerous others!

Niva Dorough can be reached at nivasinger@aol.com.