Sheree Fletcher is a woman who has a lot to be grateful for. Some would say she has it all - love, wealth, health, and beauty.
This wife, mom and businesswoman can be a great inspiration for women who are facing obstacles. With a new marriage to former NFL running back Terrell Fletcher, who is founder and Pastor of City of Hope International Church in San Diego, Sheree opened up about her effort to find fulfillment and purpose during a recent interview.
Sheree is the former wife of Will Smith with whom she has a 15-year-old son, Trey. She has been remarried to Terrell Fletcher for less than a year and calls him her soul mate. They both are committed to the cause of Christian ministry. She is also busy launching a new skincare product made of white honey that she discovered in a café.
A petite and striking woman of African-American and Italian decent, Sheree has been associated with the Hollywood lifestyle ever since the marriage to mega star Smith. The biggest misconception about Hollywood is that celebrities have it all, she explained. "People think that money buys you happiness, but really it doesn't give you fulfillment," she said. In 1995 Sheree found herself divorced from Smith and in a place that she never wanted to be. Her parents were not married and she did not want the same upbringing for her son, Trey (the two share custody). Although she was anxious for the divorce to be finalized, when it was over, the reality of it hit her "like a ton of bricks," she said. After many attempts to fill an unexplained void in her life, she continued to find herself in the same unfulfilling place.
"Back then, my drug of choice was always another man," she said. "The definition of insanity is doing the same things over and expecting different results." Sheree admitted she fit that description and expected to find fulfillment in a man, but she was forced, by continued disappointment, to find another source of contentment in life.
In 1987, it was an altar call at West Angeles Church of God in Christ in Los Angeles that began to transform her life. Her process of becoming a Christian slowly began and she wavered back and forth until the year 2000. "My proudest accomplishment was discovering who I am - having a relationship with God," she remarked. Sheree had to examine herself in the destruction of her first marriage to Smith. "I had to take responsibility for the marriage. Sometimes people get married for the wrong reasons - off emotions. If you don't have the proper connection with the Holy Spirit you have no guidance or standards," she said.
Having a relationship with God not only established her but unlocked a purpose and assignment for Sheree. People who know Sheree savor the many treats she creates in the kitchen. "She is an incredible cook and loves to do it," said her husband Terrell. "She's actually teetering on gourmet status."
After researching a particular white honey she found in a church café, she learned that she could make sauces and other edible recipes with it. Then she came across a recipe for a lotion online. She was inspired. "So, I got in the kitchen and started playing with recipes."
Whoop Ash Skin Care was born.
This skin care system is an intense moisturizer intended for people with dry skin. "This is a total gift from God," said Sheree. "I believe this business is a vehicle that God is going to use for his work." Until the project of Whoop Ash, Sheree recalls that she had given up on different projects in the past, simply losing interest. However this assignment is different from the others, she said.
Laboring for God in ministry along side of her husband Terrell, the position of being the first lady of a church seems to be exactly what God had intended for her, say her friends. Being married again is something that Sheree knew would happen for her as well. The delight in her voice as she described her husband Terrell was noticeable.
"My husband is God-fearing, sweet, very kind, patient, loving, intelligent and loves his wife," she said. Being a pastor's wife is heavy challenge for newlyweds. While balancing a new marriage, motherhood, a new ministry, and a new business venture, Sheree and her husband divide their time between living in San Diego and Los Angeles.
"I am amazed by Sheree's strength," said Terrell. "She has been through a lot, but has remained positive about life and its expectations in spite of it all. That takes an enduring strength that obviously speaks of her relationship with God."
When asked how she encourages women who struggle with understanding their identity and purpose, Sheree always gives simple yet practical instructions. "I guide them to their creator, point them towards Christ. Get them into a habit of prayer and study time in the word."
Celebrating a milestone birthday this year Sheree stated that she is a late bloomer in life. She said there is still a lot more for her to accomplish and that she is constantly growing. "I'm still not there yet," she laughed.
Be the first to comment on this article!