Sheri, a native Texan, was born on September 2, 1956, to William Hurshel Atkinson, Jr. and Sarah Jane Jackson in Corpus Christi, Texas. She grew up in Corpus Christi and graduated from W.B. Ray High School in 1974. Later that year, she met her husband and the great love of her life, the late John Dale Wilson, who passed away in 2017. Dale, a recent graduate of the University of Houston, was working part time as a veterinarian technician at Memorial Town & Country Animal Clinic. Sheri had just recently moved to Houston with her family. She came into the animal clinic with an ailing cat, and Dale was immediately smitten. Shortly thereafter, Sheri traveled to Europe. They began writing each other and subsequently fell in love through the letters they exchanged. They became engaged on November 11, 1974, and were married on August 2, 1975, on the campus of University of Houston in its Chapel. From that moment, “Cougar red” became a favorite color for the young couple, and they were both loyal University of Houston fans and supporters.
Sheri and Dale were inseparable and happily married for nearly 42 years until John passed away in 2017. She is survived by their two children, daughter Lauren Hilary Wilson and son John Byron Wilson, both of whom live in Houston, and a beloved grandson, John Ashton Wilson, who also resides in Houston. Also, survived by her sister Kathi Hartlieb of Gainesville, GA.
Aside from being a dedicated wife and mother, Sheri was a working artist. She was employed by the Yorkshire Academy for many years as a teacher and she taught the Academy’s after school art program. Inspired by the experience, she decided to open her own art studio specializing in children's art programming, CHART Art Studios. CHART was located in the Memorial area down the street from Yorkshire Academy. Sheri happily managed the studio for many years and hosted numerous children's art parties, developing specialized art activities just for the young guests. For her own work, Sheri’s most preferred medium was paint, though she also excelled in drawing, as well as sculptural projects. A lover of nature, balance, and the outdoors, she frequently captured coastal scenery and a series of abstract works.
Friends and family alike say that Sheri was known for her welcoming smile and beautiful voice. Her “love language” was doing for others. She was a gracious hostess who loved to cook and experiment with recipes. She thoroughly enjoyed watching the Food Network for inspiration. Whether she entertained for a special occasion or a small group gathering, Sheri would pull out all the stops with hand-painted tablecloths, the fancy heirloom China, and all the best foods. Childhood friends of Lauren and Byron still comment about Mrs. Wilson’s famous “snack spreads,” when they would visit the family home. Sheri’s winning personality and confidence also made her light on her feet, a great dancer who enjoyed a good time with loved ones. She will be dearly missed by all.
A memorial service will be held at Waltrip Funeral Directors, 1415 Campbell Road in Houston on Friday, July 22 at 2PM. Immediately following the service, there will be a celebration of life reception at Slowpokes at 8147B Long Point, Houston, 77055. Feel free to wear red in honor of University of Houston.
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