Sharon Kempner

Sherry was born on the 13th of October 1940 in Reinbeck, Iowa. She spent her childhood on the family farm before attending Grinnell College.

Sherry moved to Texas in 1962 and made it her forever home. She married the love of her life, Jim Kempner in 1976 and together they raised their blended family of five. Something was always happening at the house : oyster roasts, pots of gumbo and pickles. Sherry made even the smallest get togethers special and fun with her exquisite taste. Spending time at home or traveling the world with family and cherished friends was a top priority.

Over the years, Sherry dedicated much of her time and energy to The Garden Club of Houston and Fotofest. Sherry was the bulb buyer for 17 years and had a special love of daffodils. An avid gardener, Sherry was known to dig up bulbs at houses that were being torn down and sell them at the Bulb and Plant Mart. Sherry and Jim loved collecting photographs and supporting photographers through Fotofest. She could name the photographer of every print hanging in her house.

When not in Houston, Sherry could be found with her dogs in Round Top, Texas taking care of her many rescue horses and donkeys or in Woody Creek, Colorado tending to her flowers and garden while enjoying the company of her children and grandchildren.

Most of all, Sherry was a devoted and proud mother and grandmother, always generous with her time and love. Sherry was predeceased by her husband, Jim Kempner; her daughter, Bonnie McMurtry and her parents, Homer and Margaret Miller. She is survived by her sisters Barb Ayer and her husband Harry and Marion Boyer and her husband, Jack. Her daughters, Karen and her husband Mark Devlin, Ceci and her husband Michael Goldstone, sons Robert Rubey and his wife Meaghan, Jay Kempner and his wife Jenny, and son in law, Lee McMurtry ; as well as her adoring grandchildren, Molly McMurtry, Jack Kempner, Abby McMurtry, Bonnie Bering, Robert Kempner, Sam Goldstone, Isaac Goldstone, Mary Kempner, Wyatt Rubey and Stearman Rubey.

For those wishing to make a donation in Sherry's memory, the family asks that donations be directed to two causes close to Sherry's heart: scoutshonor.org or Habitat for Horses.