Sherry DeMent Ryan

Sherry was born in Glendale, CA on January 26, 1960 to Leighton and Donna DeMent. She attended West Covina High School and received a BS from Oral Roberts University, an MBA from the University of Southern California, and a Ph.D. from the University of Texas at Arlington. Sherry was a tenured professor at the University of North Texas, where she inspired generations of graduate students in information technology and helped them secure their degrees and launch their careers.

Sherry and her husband, Doug Ryan, moved from Jackson, Mississippi to the Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas area where they raised their two children. She lived with MS for 25 years, but never let the disease define her or limit her ambitions. Sherry had a passion for sharing the love of God with those she encountered both here in the US and internationally. She and Doug also enjoyed traveling the world together and making memories with their family and friends. Sherry’s strength inspired friends, family, her church community at Gateway Church, and members of her MS support group.

Sherry is survived by her two children, Katie Nwabah and Ronald Ryan, and her four grandchildren: Kamsi, Maya, Zaya, and Caden. She was predeceased by her parents, her brother, Mark DeMent, and her husband, Doug Ryan.

A memorial service will be held at 3:00 PM on Saturday, May 20, at Sparkman Funeral Home at 1029 Greenville, Avenue, Richardson, TX 75081. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Sherry’s honor to His Appointed Time Ministries (hisappointedtime.com).