SHE WILL FOREVER BE MISSED
SHERRY ELAINE PRESCOTT SUDA
1946
2024
EULOGY
A LIFE WELL-LIVED
Our mother was quiet; some would even say aloof. Once she got to know you, tho, she was anything but. She was quick to smile and quick to laugh. And she loved to dance - anywhere was a dancefloor for her and Jim. But the one word we have heard repeatedly is “KIND.” She was that person if you needed a friend, a confidant, or even a hand up. If you were a cat, well then, she was YOUR person. Jim uncovered she was quietly donating to multiple charities. She was an unsung hero for those who never had the honor to know her. An embodiment of her life-long faith.
Over the years, we felt Jim’s desire to capture every moment with a video or photograph was…silly at best. Today, we are so glad he is such a prolific shutterbug; without him, we would not have known how full the life she led was. Her cousin Melvin said it best: Her well-lived life is a precious memory — memories Jim has captured throughout their life together — all the smiles, laughs, and occasional exasperation.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 tells us, “For everything there is a season…A time to be born and a time to die…A time to cry and a time to laugh…A time to grieve and a time to dance.” If Mom were here, she would say no matter what season you find yourself in…today is a time to dance.
OBITUARY
MARCH 6, 2024
Sherry Prescott Suda, 77 years old, passed away on March 6, 2024. She was born on June 21, 1946, in Monahans, TX, to the late Charlie Prescott and Betty Whirley Prescott.
Sherry dedicated much of her life to her work at the law firm Sherman and Fromme, where she served as manager for twenty years before retiring. Her commitment and leadership were valued by all who had the privilege of working alongside her.
Throughout her life, Sherry pursued various passions and interests. From being a talented classical pianist in Monahans, TX, to serving as a Baptist organist in Austin, TX, she found solace and joy in music. During her time at Baylor University, she excelled as a sprinter on the track team while studying English as her major and minoring in Latin. Sherry also shared her knowledge and love for learning by teaching for a few years.
Sherry will always be remembered by her loving family and friends. She is survived by her devoted husband of thirty-two years, James Suda; her daughters Melissa Clark and Rebecca Block; her sons Christopher Suda and Brian Suda; and her cherished grandchildren Evelyn Suda, Grace Suda, Justin Suda, Holden Block, Jackson Block, and Zoe Barboza.
Sherry's kindness, dedication, and unwavering love for her family will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew her.
MEMORIES
FINDING COMFORT IN REMEMBRANCE
Sherry was exactly one year and one week older than me. One year she gave me a birthday card that couldn’t have been more perfect. If I remember correctly, it was for my 30th birthday – just when we start realizing we’re getting a little older! On the outside of the card it said: When someone asks you how old you are, don’t lie about your age. On the inside of the card it said: Just tell them you are one year younger than me ... and then lie about my age! Sherry and I knew each other for about 50 years. She was such a good friend and the memories are abundant. We worked together, played together, visited each other when we lived in different places and shared memories. There were a few times when we were out of touch for a while, but when we got back together it was as though no time had passed! ~ Barbara Ward, Lifelong Friend
I remember the first time I met Sherry. It was shortly after Chris and I met. We went to the house and she made us dinner. It was the first of many meals we would have there. She was always so gracious, the food was always wonderful, and she made me feel so at home. At times, people would talk about how great Chris’ first wedding was in front of me or make comments that made me feel like I didn’t quite belong but Sherry always made me feel like I belonged and was part of the family. It was very hard for me especially as an only child when my parents died. Sherry understood that too and we once again bonded over that. Holidays were especially hard but when we started going to North Carolina to Sherry and Jim’s I wasn’t so sad anymore. She decorated the house and made a wonderful meal and it was warm and filled with love and I felt like I still had a home to go to. We went to the beach and to quaint little towns shopping and had so many fun times together. Sherry always made me feel loved, included, and important. She and Jim also were a wonderful example of the kind of love that everyone hopes to have in their lifetime. I am so grateful that I had your Mom as part of my family and I miss her. ~ Alanna Suda, Daughter-in-Law
It is so very rare to find new friends in our later years, so when I met Sherry I was so very surprised how fast we became friends of the soul. She brought me into her life and space with no question or rhyme or reason. Her warmth and kindness were so welcoming I never felt like an outsider…..she took me in and held me there…..always a dear friend. My heart will always hold her as a dear friend and I will forever cherish her. I was so blessed to have known her and will forever miss her. God Bless you Sherry….always a sister of my soul. ~ Sherry Chastain, Nicole's Mother-in-Law
When we were very young around six or seven, every time I would see her, she looked like a little princess. Aunt Betty would dress her in the most fabulous outfits. She even had socks with ruffles on them, which I thought was just out of this world. She was just so darn cute and I was so jealous! I think Aunt Betty made most of her clothes and they were just precious. Anyway, when they would come to Granny Stewart’s house in Colorado City to visit, we would all go over there to see Uncle Charlie and Aunt Betty, and of course, Sherry. When we would go out to play, Aunt Betty would always say, “Now don’t get in the dirt.” And we would look at her and wonder, thinking, where else could we play? Granny didn’t have any grass, she always said she didn’t want any because then she would have to mow it. Looking back now I think that’s so funny! Anyway, I think we thought of Sherry as this beautiful little girl who is always spotlessly clean, had an incredible wardrobe, and was so sweet. But we didn’t dare bring her back to the house with dirt on her clothes! She was always so sweet and even though we didn’t see much of her in later years, that is how I remember her. I wanted to look just like her. ~ Sandy Blankenship, Cousin
Sherry was a special woman who was always thoughtful and caring. She always enjoyed having the family over especially for Christmas, as she loved to decorate. She loved Berkley Springs in the mountains to the sands of Nags Head and I will miss my loving wife Sherry dearly and hope to join Sherry in heaven. ~ Jim, her Loving Husband
I have always loved your mother. She taught me how to dance, while watching The Beatles debut on the Ed Sullivan Show. No doubt her sudden passing hurts, but her well-lived life is a precious memory. ~ Melvin Whirley, Cousin