SHERRI RYAN WHITE

1952-2018

Sherri Ryan White, 65, of Spring, Texas died Thursday, Feb. 15, 2018. She was a talented, nationally recognized award-winning college drama professor. She was a beloved teacher, sister, wife, mother (most recently “Mamsy” to her first grandson) and a much-loved friend to so many. Despite her many accomplishments, she never lost her East Texas roots or accent.

Sherri was the first born to Margaret and Sam Ryan on Aug 20, 1952. Growing up in Texarkana, Texas she learned the importance of education, humility, hospitality and southern cooking. She attended Texas A&M Commerce earning her BS in speech and theater followed by a MA from Southwest Texas State, now Texas State.

A college professor for 36 years at Lone Star Colleges North Harris and Tomball, she taught thousands by instilling lifelong skills of public speaking, acting and character development, not to mention confidence, responsibility, professionalism, humor and kindness.

Some of her professional honors include Teacher of the Year by Texas Education Theater Association & Lone Star College; Best Director by the Texas Community College Speech and Theater Association; Service Award from Phi Rho Pi National Forensic and Honor Society; multiple prestigious awards at the State Play Festival competitions as well as National Competitions. She built, produced and directed hundreds of plays/musicals/reader’s theaters and left a legacy of unmatched excellence in each one of her teaching and directing roles.

She proudly married Wesley Jack White Jr. in 1979 and spent many wonderful years living in Houston and raising their two “precious angel” daughters – Erin and Lindsay. She was most proud of her daughter’s educations (both at Texas Christian University) and their professional accomplishments of television promotion and fashion design in New York City.

Her family and friends know her as an amazing storyteller, exceptional baker, creative artist, and was all about the extra little details to make everything truly extraordinary. An advocate and recognized leader for Girl Scouts, she helped dozens of girls receive their Gold Award. She volunteered her talents at Klein United Methodist Church to direct the summer choir tour musicals. She could put on an event/ shower/celebration/dinner that you wouldn’t believe. She always prioritized her family and was a best friend to many. She made every person she knew feel special just by being near her. She will be greatly missed, especially by her sister Bridget, nephew Ryan, and niece Amanda who are very special to her.

She is survived by her husband, Jack, their daughters Erin Ryan White Higgins and her husband John Higgins and their new baby boy, Benjamin Ryan; Lindsay Margaret White and her fiancé Barry Hott.

A memorial celebration is planned for Tuesday February 20th at 3pm at Klein United Methodist Church, 5920 Farm to Market 2920, Spring, Texas 77388 with a small reception following. In lieu of flowers please contribute to the Sherri Ryan White Endowed Drama Scholarship through the Lone Star College Foundation. (By phone (832) 813-6638)