Obituary of Sherri Lynn Stewart

Sherri Lynn Stewart November 1955 to September 2015 Sherri Stewart, beloved mother of Derek Dees, transitioned with peace and grace on Sunday, September 13, 2015. Born in Mercedes, Texas, Sherri moved to Houston in the 4th grade, graduated from Spring Woods High School and remained in Houston her entire life. She went on to earn her Associates Degree, with honors, from HCC by taking night classes while Derek was young. Sherri was a hard worker all her life, from bagging groceries at the age of 15, to teaching aerobics classes in the 80's, to commercial real estate where she had the joy of working with her father for many years and then with other great friends at Fidelis. Being the resilient force of nature that she was, even after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, she took each day with renewed joy. Her short life is a reminder to take pleasure in each day and to hold those dear to you closely, reminding them daily why they are so special. Sherri was the kindest person who would give her time to any cause she believed in. She was famous for rescuing dogs and her generosity extended to people as well. She provided respite weekend care to foster children and always believed that all people should be treated with respect, no matter their situation in life. Sherri was constantly involved in school functions ranging from PTA events to freezing on the sideline of lacrosse games. Derek is an only child but Sherri considered many of his friends to be her extended family. We will never forget all of the weekends at the lake or days spent marveling at Sherri's home improvement acumen. As she always said "where there's a will there's a way." Sherri was a friend to everyone and was most famous for her "house" parties. Everyone came with gusto and never wanted to leave. She held her last party this past Labor Day Weekend, and as she said her goodnights, she was serenaded by everyone in attendance with the Four Seasons' classic, "Sherry." She was never one to dwell on the negative and would surely remind us all to always look on the bright side of life. Sherri leaves behind her son, Derek; mother, Pauline Stewart; two brothers, Jim and Donnie and several sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father, Donald and brother, Mark. Services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, September 19, 2015 in the Gathering Place at Spring Branch Presbyterian Church, 1215 Campbell Road in Houston, Texas. The family would like to thank the dedicated and caring staff at M.D. Anderson, Houston Hospice and Spring Branch Presbyterian Church for their loving care and guidance during this difficult time. The family would also like to thank Sherri's colleagues at Fidelis for their support. For those desiring, a donation may be made in Sherri's honor to Pancreatic Cancer Research at pancan.org.