Susan Bell Cherry

Susan Bell Cherry, 62, of Austin, Texas, was called home to be with her Lord and Savior on December 24, 2008. A memorial service will be held on Monday, December 29, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. at the Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home Chapel located at 3125 N. Lamar Blvd. in Austin, with a lunch reception to follow afterwards at one of her life-long favorite Mexican restaurants, Matt's El Rancho, 2613 South Lamar, (512) 462-9333. Susan was born on September 20, 1946 in Ft. Worth, Texas, to her parents, Frank and Varner Bell. She grew up in Raymondville, Texas where she was a cheerleader and played basketball at Raymondville High School. In her final year of high school she attended St. Mary's Hall in San Antonio, Texas. For college, she attended Mary Baldwin College in Staunton, Virginia for two years. Susan then returned to Texas to attend the University of Texas, where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology with a minor in Psychology. She later pursued graduate studies at the University of Texas in micro-biology. In 1968, she had one son, Craig Tyler, whom she taught how to shoot a jump shot, love life, live in the moment, believe in your dreams, be generous, kind and compassionate to EVERY human and animal the Lord places in your path, and face life's obstacles with strength, determination, faith and a sense of humor. Susan lived in several cities in Texas during her full life, including Raymondville, Columbus, Harlingen, Fredericksburg and Austin. She had fond memories from, and made wonderful friends in, every community in which she lived. Susan was romantic, kind and compassionate. She loved to be with people, whether loved ones or strangers (who did not remain strangers for more than five minutes after meeting her), and was always a source of humor, energy and fresh air to every group she joined. She had a special place in her heart for animals, especially abandoned, neglected, orphaned or injured animals. She was an active member of the Austin and Fredericksburg wildlife rescue organizations (including being a Wildlife Rehabilitator at Austin Wildlife Rescue), the SPCA, and many other animal assistance organizations. In fact, looking back, it seems that her life's work was committed to taking in and caring for strays with great generosity and compassion. She will be greatly missed, but we take great comfort in knowing that she is with her Lord and she is at peace. Susan was predeceased by her father Frank F Bell III, her mother F. Varner Beall Bell, and her brother, Frank F. (Ricky) Bell IV. Survivors include son, Craig Tyler, daughter-in-law, Valerie Tyler, and grandchildren Griffin Tyler, Cooper Tyler, Hallie Varner Tyler and Sheppard Tyler; her nephew John Bell and niece Cynthia Bell Smith; and many dear friends and family members. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made in Susan's honor to Austin Wildlife Rescue, 5401 E. Martin Luther King Jr., Austin, Texas 78721 (www.austinwildliferescue.org), your local SPCA, or any non-profitable organization of your choice.