Sherman is married to Clara Schroeter Lea, they have two children Erica Lea Rosser, Sherman Lea, Jr., three grandchildren Jaylen, Mya and Johnathan, Jr., and a son-in-law, Johnathan Rosser.

Notable Accomplishments:

• Graduate of Virginia Union University in Richmond, Virginia with a degree in Sociology.
• Old Dominion University - Graduate Program, Urban Studies.
• Sherman Lea, Sr. is a minister and is currently employed as a Regional Director for the Western Region of Community Corrections for the Virginia Department of Corrections.
• Elected to a seat on Roanoke City Council in May of 2004.
• Chairman of the Western Virginia Education Classic Football Game.
• Vice-Chairman of the State Board of Directors of Virginia Cares/Prison Re-Entry Program.
• Chairman of the Audit Committee of Roanoke City Council.
• Member of the Twenty-Third Judicial Circuit Drug Court Advisory Board.
• Former Chairman of the Roanoke City School Board.
• Former Chairman of the Blue Ridge Regional School Board Association.
• Former Chairman of TAP (Total Action Against Poverty) Board of Directors.
• Former Member of the Virginia School Board Association.
• Former football official in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
• Former football and basketball official in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) and the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA).
• Former Virginia High School League football and basketball official.

Recognitions and Awards:

• September 2007 – received an award from the Jamaican Community in Roanoke for his contributions, support and services to the Jamaican Community.
• 2006 – Received the first Diane McQuade Stickland “Public Service Award” by the Twenty-Third Judicial Circuit Drug Court.
• 2005 – Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) “Drum Major for Justice Award” for leadership and willingness to speak out on issues.
• 2002 – Received the Dedicated Service Award from the Virginia School Board Association for service as a member of the Board of Directors.
• Omega Psi Phi Fraternity – 2000 “Citizen of the Year Award”
• Kappa Alpha Psi Roanoke Alumni Chapter “Community Achievement Award”
• Kiwanis Club - Rex Mitchell Memorial Award “Roanoke Virginia High School League Basketball Official of the Year”
• The Arthur Stretch Gardner Community Service Award for being a CIAA Football Official to work the Conference Championship Game.
• Northwest Rec. Club of Roanoke Appreciation Award for service as a “Football Coach”
• Man of the Year Award given by the Shady Grove Baptist Church in Pelham, North Carolina
• Award of Appreciation for Service as Member of the Community Corrections Resource Board Piedmont Court Services of Farmville, Virginia
• Award by TAP This Valley Works “Dreaming the Impossible Dream” founder of the Western Virginia Education Classic Football Game