Sharon Lee Cramer

1935 – 2017

Sharon passed away peacefully on September 21, 2017, following a debilitating illness which plagued her over the past year.

Sharon was born on December 7, 1935, in San Antonio, TX, to LaVonia Lee Smith and Robert Sewell. The attack on Pearl Harbor happened on her sixth birthday and, in true childhood fashion, she was very upset that her birthday party had to be cancelled. In 1946, her father was transferred to Paris, France. During this period, Sharon lived in France, England and Italy, becoming fluent in French, conversational in Italian, and enduring life in post-war Europe. In 1954, she married John M. Watts, and they had 3 children, John Jr, Christopher, and Kelly Lee (Cramer). With her fluency in French, Sharon took an assignment in Algeria in 1970-1971, which gave her and daughter Kelly a unique experience abroad to share with one another. Upon her return to the United States, she became involved in the travel business, eventually opening Atlas Travel in 1982 with her daughter Kelly. Atlas still operates today, 35 years after its founding. In 1989, she married the love of her life, Neal Cramer, and thus the two families became one.

Sharon’s most proud accomplishment in life was her family, especially her grandchildren, who loved and adored her as a second mother. Her warm and winning personality attracted the admiration from people of all generations. She also adored her pups (and occasional cat), which she kept as constant companions over the years.

Sharon is survived by her husband of 28 years, Neal Cramer, her sons, John Watts Jr. (San Diego, CA), Christopher Watts (Temple, TX), her daughters, Kelly Cramer and husband Neal (Houston), Nancy Cramer (Houston), and Elizabeth Cottongame and husband Brice (Fort Worth, TX). She is also survived by her grandchildren, Jenna Hillman and husband Marcus (San Diego, CA), Cassandra McDermott and husband Matt (Tempe, AZ), Victoria Watts (Philadelphia, PA), Chat Chankhan and wife Kame (Houston), Bryan Watts (Houston), Parker Cramer (New York, NY), Abby Lee Cramer (Houston), Carly Cramer (Baton Rouge, LA), Kate Cottongame (Fort Worth, TX), and Will Cottongame (Fort Worth, TX). She is also survived by five great-grandchildren.

Pallbearers will be John Watts Jr., Chris Watts, Neal Cramer Jr., Brice Cottongame, Chat Chankhan, Bryan Watts, Parker Cramer and Will Cottongame.

Visitation is scheduled for Tuesday, September 26, 2017, from 5:00 - 8:00pm at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home. Services will be held Wednesday, September 27, 2017, at 1:00pm in the chapel at Grace Presbyterian Church. Burial and reception will be immediately following the service at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home. All are welcome.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Westie & Scottie Rescue of Houston, P.O. Box 9776, The Woodlands, TX, 77387-9776.