Sherry Dee Smith

With heavy hearts and treasured memories, we honor the life and legacy of Sherry Dee Smith, who passed away on July 25, 2026, in Lubbock, Texas, at the age of 82. Born on November 25, 1943, in Mount Clemens, Michigan to Graydon & Ruth Ruhle, Sherry’s story was one of warmth, joy, creativity, and steadfast love for her family and friends.

Sherry’s journey began in the vibrant community of Mount Clemens, where she completed her high school education. Eager to shape her own future and inspire young minds, she moved to Texas and attended Texas Tech University. In 1965, she proudly graduated with a bachelor’s degree in education—a milestone that marked the beginning of a purposeful career. Sherry devoted nearly a decade to teaching, touching countless lives with her kindness, patience, and genuine enthusiasm. Eventually, her heart led her home, where she found her true calling as a homemaker. She never looked back, pouring her love and spirited energy into creating a home filled with laughter, support, and the comforting warmth of family.

Sherry was the rock and joyful center of her family, a caring mother whose devotion knew no bounds. She is survived by her three beloved daughters: Shawna Dawn Bryant, Melinda Whitehead, and Melissa Lynn Stewart. Her nurturing spirit and guiding wisdom also extended to her sister, Judy Espinoza, who remained a lifelong confidante and friend. Family, for Sherry, always came first; she delighted in caring for her children and grandchildren, finding her greatest satisfaction in their happiness and growth.

Those who knew Sherry will remember her as an amazing painter with a passionate love for art and music. The vibrant colors she brought to the canvas mirrored the brightness she brought to the world around her. Sherry approached every day with her signature warmth and humor. She was a fun-loving person who never met a stranger—quick to strike up a conversation, always ready with a smile or joke, and reliably a source of joy to everyone she encountered.

The legacy that Sherry leaves is one filled with love, creativity, and the simple yet profound acts of kindness that defined her life. The stories, laughter, and art she leaves behind will continue to inspire those lucky enough to have shared her journey.