Emma Sorrentino

E. Charlene (Sharley) Sorrentino, United States Magistrate Judge for the Southern District of Florida and Central District of California, peacefully entered heaven on January 16, 2022. Sharley is survived by her sisters, Robyn Hermann and Marcia Hewett Jones and was preceded in death by her sister Sandra Carter. She is also survived by a brother-in-law, Jim Carter; six nieces and nephews, Carolyn Carter, Susan Carter, Jimmy Carter, Natalie Burkett, Michael Hewett, and Jamie Hewett; and eleven great nieces and nephews, Emily, Jimmy, Lindsay, Ellie, Christian, Sara Beth, Anna, Will, Matthew, Bryce, and Hayden. Her loving husband, Daniel Anthony Sorrentino, and precious great niece, Catie Carter, also precede her in death.

Sharley was born in Jacksonville, Florida on March 28, 1942 to Robert James Hermann and Juanita Hess Hermann. She was raised in both Jacksonville and Coral Gables, Florida where she attended Coral Gables High School. Sharley graduated from the University of Florida in 1961 and the University of Miami School of Law in 1967. She went on to pass the bar exam with the highest score in the state of Florida.

During her time at the University of Miami, Sharley met and fell in love with Dan Sorrentino. They were married in 1970 and enjoyed 16 years together before Dan's early death in 1986.

Upon graduating from law school, Shirley's first job was law clerk to Chief U.S. District Judge Charles B. Fulton. Following that, she was an Assistant Federal Public Defender until being appointed Judge in 1975. She served on the bench for 28 years. Sharley had wanted to be a lawyer from childhood, and found great reward in fulfilling that dream.

Sharley had a strong faith in God and loved her family dearly. She was compassionate and generous. Her kindness extended without bias. She was a lover of all God's creatures, great and small. She joyfully served on the Board of Directors for the Humane Society of Greater Miami. Sharley was a lover of books and encouraged others to be as well. She was an accomplished flautist, a talented artist, a pen pal to great nieces, and a long time choir member at University Baptist Church in Coral Gables and a current member of First Baptist Church Winter Garden. Sharley collected Gilbert American Flyer model trains and had a deep appreciation for the beauty found in God's creation. She enjoyed many travels with her sisters and the friendship and love that were theirs for a lifetime.

Sharley will be missed by her family and fondly remembered for the positive influence and encouragement that was her gift to all who knew her.

For those willing to express sympathy, the family suggests donations be made to one of the following in Sharley's memory. First Baptist Church Winter Garden, 125 Plant Street, Winter Garden, FL 34787. Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando https://petallianceorlando.org/ways-give/memorials