Sheila Jane Berry Sorrell's Obituary
Sheila Jane Berry Sorrell was born July 15, 1948. She was the second of two daughters born to Otis C. and Ruth M. Berry. She was born in Beaumont, Texas. Sheila joined Mt. Zion Baptist Church at an early age. She sang in the children's and young adult choirs and later became one of Mt. Zion's musicians. Sheila attended Northshore Community Fellowship of Faith in Houston, where the Rev. Robert Dixon II is pastor. She often traveled back to Beaumont, and attended the family church, Mt. Zion, where Rev. Albert Williams is pastor.
She received her early education in the Beaumont Independent School District. After graduating from Charlton-Pollard High School, she attended Houston-Tillotson College, receiving her Bachelor of Arts degree in Music. She later attended Prairie View A&M University, where she received her Master of Arts degree in Music. Sheila has taught school for 40 years. She has taught from elementary to high school. Her career in teaching started in Beaumont as a substitute teacher. She later moved to Eagle Pass becoming a fulltime teacher of high school students. After several years, Sheila got the opportunity to move closer to the family that she loved. She was offered a teaching position in Houston, Texas. She retired from the Houston Independent School District after completing thirty-seven years of service. Sheila has two sons whom she loved very deeply. Desean M. Berry (wife-Annie) was her firstborn (the Alpha) and Trayshard D. Sorrell (wife- Shammeer) was her second born (the Omega). From the unions of her sons, Sheila was blessed with three grandchildren who referred to her as "Grand". Hunter Louis was the first to arrive, next was Asilynn Ruth. They knew how to make Grand's heart jump with joy. Taj Jeremiah was the last grandchild. His squeal made her heart sing. Her grandchildren were very precious to her. She loved providing for them. Sheila was a sassy "little lady" with a very big heart. There was never a time that she wasn't willing to help. She had a positive attitude and always wore a smile. Everyone knew that family was her focus and fashion was her hobby. Her creativity can be seen in her development of a children's book, "A Monkey in a Tree", inspired by her love for her grandchildren. Her last creative endeavor was Hairbows by Grandberry. Sheila will truly be missed. She was preceded in death by her parents' Ruth Mae and Otis Claude Berry. She leaves many cherished memories to: her loving sons, Desean Marquis (Annie), Trayshard Darte' (Shammeer); her grandchildren, Hunter Louis, Asilynn Ruth, Taj Jeremiah, her devoted sister; Alicia Faye Brooks (Will James) two nephews: Will II (Meng En) and Princeton, one great niece, Hadassah Brooks, four aunts: Diverna Dellahoussaye, Ruby Bassett, Westell Wells, and Anna Francis William (Burl); and a host of relatives and enduring friends.
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