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March 30, 1941 — October 19, 2023
Sherry Ann Yarborough Ward, 82, of Center passed away October 19, 2023, at home surrounded by her family.
Funeral service was held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, at Mangum Funeral Home with Brother L.D. Eddins officiating. Interment was at Waterman Cemetery. Visitation was prior to the service beginning at noon.
Sherry was born on March 30, 1941, in Shelby County to Charles Chester Yarborough and Creva Mae Abbott Yarborough. Sherry graduated from Center High School in 1958. That fall she enrolled at Stephen F. Austin and while working the front desk at the Fredonia Hotel, Sherry met Jimmy Ward, a dark- haired handsome cowboy from Tyler. After a brief courtship, they married on December 21, 1958.
Sherry and Jimmy made their home in Nacogdoches where their son Jason was born. A few years later they moved to the Waterman Community in Shelby County where their son John was born and several years later, their daughter Gina. They raised their children along with countless head of livestock and horses as Jimmy was a rancher and cattle buyer.
Sherry and Jimmy had the opportunity of traveling to Europe, Alaska and British Columbia and even living at their place in Paonia, Colorado for a while.
After her boys were grown and Gina was starting school, Sherry immersed herself in her first love, art! She became a very accomplished artist and owned and operated Downtown Arts and Sherry Ward Fine Arts Studio for many years on the brick streets of Nacogdoches. Sherry’s work is displayed in many homes and museums throughout the U.S., and she is a signature member of National Watercolor Society.
She was a long- time member and often officer of Nacogdoches Art League and SFA Friends of the Arts. Along with several local artists she started the Gallery Walk in the 1980s that continues to this day.
Sherry was the driving force in establishing the permanent art exhibit at the CVB in Nacogdoches, depicting life in the Piney Woods. Sherry was able to convince many local artists the importance of donating their works for future generations to enjoy.
She was also an avid gardener. Many of her paintings over the years were florals, which showcased her love of gardening inherited from her mother.
Sherry gave her life to the Lord as a teenager and continued that walk until her passing. Sherry was a member of the Missionary Baptist Church.
Sherry is survived by her husband, Jimmy Ward, son Jason Ward and wife Rhonda of Nacogdoches, son John Ward and wife Bridgette of Center, and daughter Gina Castro and husband Sergio of Hurst, Texas.
Sherry is survived by grandchildren Chad Ward, Landry Ward, Brady Ward, Colton Ward, Dillon Ward, Krista Collum Warren and Danbert Collum.
Sherry is also survived by ten great grandchildren: Hayden, Connor, Slone, John Ray, Ronan, Slate, Darcy, Waverly, Kyla and Mason.
She is preceded in death by her parents, brother Charles Yarborough, sisters Charlotte Bailey, Chestine Yarborough and Johnnie Sue Yarborough.
Pallbearers were Jason Ward, John Ward, Sergio Castro, Chad Ward, Brady Ward, and Dillon Ward.
The family would like to recognize and give heartfelt thanks to her care givers, especially Vicky Sneed. They made it possible for her to stay comfortably in her home.
To send condolences or to sign an online register, please visit www.mangumfh.net.
Mangum Funeral Home in Center is in charge of arrangements