Sherman Neblett: Tributes paid to popular Banbury man

Sherman Neblett died at the age of 61 at the John Radcliffe Hospital on August 20 and will be remembered by many from his 22 years working at Sainsbury's in the town.

A thanksgiving service was held on Wednesday, September 25 at The Peoples' Church in Banbury where tributes were paid by family and friends. 

Sherman was born in Barbados and settled in Banbury in the early 2000s with his wife Alison and children Andrew and Abigail. 

Sherman Neblett and his family (Image: Contributed) Sherman was a committed Christian and attended The People's Church before going to Southam Road Evangelical Church. 

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His son Andrew read out a tribute from his wife Alison. It said: “Sherman was a loyal, loving, trustworthy husband who worked hard to provide for his family.

"He was kind and considerate over our years together. His love never wavered and I was privileged to be married to someone so dependable and special.

"He loved spending time with all his family members on special and ordinary days.

Sherman Neblett thanksgiving service (Image: Newsquest) "He was a big kid when it came to birthdays and Christmas. He loved opening presents and he was always thankful no matter how small the gift was.

"His faith in and devotion to God was evident and he made many lasting impressions on many people throughout his life. 

“He spent a lot of time reading the Bible and praying for the needs of others. He made everyone feel wanted and special and that they mattered.

"He was uncomplicated, modest and humble. His quick wit made people smile and at ease. I laughed repeatedly at the same TV advert or film he had seen many times before.

"Whenever he watched the Home Alone films he would roar with laughter as if he had never seen them before. Sherman rarely complained about his health, even in the last few months of his life.

"I'm so thankful to have been happily married to him for so many years.”

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Sherman Neblett (Image: Contributed) Neil Allen, manager of Sainsbury's in Banbury, said: “I had the privilege to have known Sherman for many years. Sherman worked on various departments, mainly on bakery, cafe, and check-outs.

"He was a true gentleman and always showed an interest in everyone. What sticks in my mind was the way he would always remember what coffee I wanted before I spoke to him.

"I would often observe Sherman while I was drinking my coffee in the cafe and he was the same with everyone and anyone and had such a great rapport with all his customers.

“When the cafe sadly closed due to Covid, Sherman moved to check-outs where again he excelled in customer service and won so many mystery shopper awards, to many to remember to be fair. 

Sherman Neblett (Image: Newsquest) “We had a lot of customers who would only go through his till and nobody else which was great for customer service but an absolute nightmare for queue management.

"Even if we opened more check-outs nobody would go anywhere else. 

“The key words I have for Sherman are kind, considerate and cheerful. The number of comments about Sherman on Facebook were so rewarding to read and so true.

"Sherman was the face of Sainsbury's and everyone knew him and thought the same of him and what a true gentleman he was. 

“Someone told me what a difference the world would be if everyone could be more like Sherman and I totally agree.

"We will miss you at Sainsbury's Sherman from all the colleagues who are here today and all our customers, rest in peace my friend.”

Sherman Athelstan Neblett: April 22 1963 - August 20 2024.