Wilma Laverne Brhlik Sherrill

Wilma Laverne Brhlik Sherrill 1924-2012 Wilma Sherrill died in Huntsville, Texas on March 14, 2012. She was born in Midfield, Texas on September 18, 1924, the older of two children of Frank Paul Brhlik and Violet Margaret (Aiken) Brhlik. She was a graduate of Southwest Texas State University (now Texas State) in August 1945. She married her high school sweetheart, Wesley Sherrill, on December 22, 1945 following his service in World War II in the United States Navy. Wesley and Wilma lived in College Station, Texas until 1948 when Wesley completed his degree at Texas A & M University. While living in College Station the couple had a son, Lawrence Glenn Sherrill in July 1947. Wilma and the baby followed Wesley to Huntsville Texas in 1950, where Wesley served as the Walker County Agricultural Extension Agent for the next 30 years. On July 13, 1951, they had a daughter, Anita Jeanne Sherrill. In 1952, Wilma joined the staff at Sam Houston State University (SHSU), in the Purchasing Department and served as the Purchasing Agent for SHSU for 11 years until her retirement in 1983. Wilma cherished her lifelong friends and activities at the First United Methodist Church (FUMC). She became a member of FUMC in 1950 and was one of the original members of the Builders Sunday School Class. She also was a member of the Park Ladies Circle of the United Methodist Women since 1983, served on the Finance Committee, the Membership Committee and as the Social Action Coordinator for her church. Wilma enjoyed her social life in Huntsville and was involved in various organizations and activities including serving as Membership Chairman of the Huntsville Chapter of AARP and a member of the University Women. She established the Wesley Sherrill Scholarship Fund for Graduating Seniors who are active in the 4-H Club. She was member of the Monday Ladies Bridge Club, of the Tuesday night Mexican Dominoes group, and loved cooking, processing food and was known as the “Pickle Lady” for her homemade pickles. She and Wesley enjoyed extensive travel opportunities and shared this love of travel with Anita and her family. Wilma blessed her family with a home filled with warmth, security and there was always something cooking and action in her kitchen. She loved to entertain in her home, participate in gatherings with her friends and family and preparing food for people. Among her many legacies, her daughter and granddaughters learned etiquette, how to be “lady like” and to entertain with southern hospitality. Wilma’s optimism was pervasive in everything she encountered. From the loss of her beloved son and husband, Larry and Wesley, to her treatment of cancer in 1957, and her on-going medical complications which ensued, Wilma maintained her positive focus. Her faith was her core value and transcended to her daughter and granddaughters. She cherished living her life through her granddaughter’s accomplishments and was their best supporter. She was proud of her family. Wilma is survived by her daughter, Anita Natale; son-in-law, Dick Natale; granddaughters, Lindsey Leigh Begland and husband, Doug, of Denver, Colorado, Lauren Paige Natale, of The Woodlands and Whitney Erin Natale, of Houston; grandchildren, Samantha Mackenzie Begland, Rowan Paige Begland and Reece Campbell Begland. She was preceded in death by her husband, son and brother: Wesley Sherrill, Lawrence Glenn Sherrill and Frank Paul Brhlik, as well as her parents. Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Friday, March 16, 2012 at Sam Houston Memorial Funeral Home, 1700 Normal Park in Huntsville and a celebration of life service will be at the First United Methodist Church, 1016 Sam Houston Avenue, Huntsville on Saturday, March 17, 2012 at 10:00 a.m.; Interment to follow at Adickes Addition of Oakwood Cemetery. The family would like to thank the caregivers who resulted in deep friendships: Sandra Countryman, Cynthia Tatum, Jean Archie, Funtella Williams, and Dorothy Harrison. Special thanks to the staff at Huntsville Memorial Hospital and Consider the Lilies, as well as Dr. Charles Monday, for their professionalism, expertise and dedication. In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation may be made to the: First United Methodist Church, 1016 Sam Houston Avenue, Huntsville, Texas 77340 or the Wesley and Wilma Sherrill Scholarship Fund, (Make checks payable to: “Walker County 4-H”) 102 TAM Road Huntsville, Texas 77320. Those wishing to leave memorial condolences for the family may do so at www.shmfh.com

Wilma Laverne Brhlik Sherrill

September 18, 1924 - March 17, 2012