I was introduced to Sheryl by Vicky Deem, at Rustic Oak after I had joined the PTA. She made quite an impressive entry in her business suit and with an air of a woman who was successful.
We lived close to each other, had kids in the same age group and thus started to build a friendship that grew stronger by the year.
She was always welcoming, prepared the best meals and never hesitated to help if needed. One year my parents were visiting and mom and I ended up being gone much longer than anticipated. When we came home, dad was not there, but with Sheryl and Kevin having dinner. She felt sorry for him being alone (and hungry).
I will never forget how she would make an entrance with the best chocolate chip cookies made by a little bakery in Friendswood (which became very popular over the years). She believed in quality and elegance.
The first summer after we became friends, and she realized Laura and I would be gone for 6-8 weeks leaving my husband behind, she came to me a few days later promising she would keep an eye on the house and on Larry. It is a precious memory!
Sheryl scouted out the best place to buy live Christmas trees every year and shared her knowledge with me. so I also could have a great tree.
As our kids were nearing graduation and our PTA years were about to end she, Debbie Cooley, Fay Watson, Brenda Bishop, Meera Ajodha and myself, decided we wanted to keep meeting which became the start of the Tuesday Coffee Club. We would meet, drink coffee and discuss everything and anything during the one hour get together which not seldom extended into 2 hours if not more. It was a precious time for all of us that I remember with fondness. She was always engaging and was eager to discuss happenings in Pearland and the world since our last meet up.
When John her oldest son started college at A&M (of course), she put a lot of time and effort in supporting him, going there regularly to make sure he stayed on track, which he did! She influenced Chris and Rebecca to become band members and then became a primus motor in that parent group.
I am still thankful for her telling me when during the elementary school year how important it was to get "kids" into a group at High School and how that would make a huge difference in their experience. Following her advise my husband and I encouraged Laura to join sports and engage in music. Therefore, indirectly, she was the reason Laura found her place in High School successfully.
We were also bonded by the emerging and ongoing friendship her Rebecca and my Laura developed.
Last but not least, Sheryl was devoted to her Kevin, and loved having family over to their house, always being well prepared for everyone to enjoy their time together.
About 10 years ago, there were times in our coffee club that Sheryl became extra agitated in our discussions. I contacted Kevin who could confirm that they all knew something was not right, and not much later did she get her diagnosis. I have no words to express how sad I was to see the changes that took place, as I at the same time was witness to how Kevin and the kids, and especially Rebecca who still lived at home took care of her, loved her and never waivered in their effort to make sure Sheryl was safe and as happy as she could. be She would have been so proud of her husband Kevin and of John, Chris and Rebecca. They honored her by showing they knew how to do the right things, the way she had taught them.
