Sherry Jean Herman

Sherry Jean Herman, 74, of Orange entered her eternal rest on Thursday, October 31, 2024. A memorial celebrating her life will be held on Saturday, November 9, 2024, at 11 a.m. at Claybar Funeral Home followed by a luncheon. 

 Sherry was born May 14, 1950, the daughter of Eva Luneal Hawthorne Watkins and James Leslie Watkins. She grew up on a small farm next to Smith Lake in Vidor, one of six sisters, who were close and industrious girls. After high school, Sherry went on to become a skilled and sought-after Barber in Orange. In 1975, she married John Herman, joining the greater Mazzola family of Orange, and resided in Pinehurst where they raised two children, Amber and Adam, and were members of St. Mary's Catholic Church. 

 Sherry was fun-loving, witty, and stylish in all things. She loved art, decorating, and had an eye for fashion. Her joys in life were traveling, dancing, relaxing around a campfire, and spending time with her family. A dedicated mother, she supported her children’s education and cultural enrichment. She was very compassionate and sensitive to helping people challenged by adversity and passed these values down to her children. In retirement, Sherry served as a Red Cross volunteer at Baptist Hospital. She had a special place in her heart for Veterans and enjoyed being a part of the VFW community in Orange. 

 Sherry is preceded in death by her husband of 33 years, John Herman, her parents Eva and James Watkins, and sisters LaVera Lou Haley and Tammy Gayle Watkins. Those left to cherish her memory are daughter Amber Rae Donovan and husband Stephen of Austin, son Adam Herman of Orange, grandson Hanson, Adam's fiancé Stephanie and children Zack, Chloe, and Elizabeth, sisters PJ Haley, Beverly Haley Rita Miller and her partner Joe, surviving in-laws James Herman, Francis Bacak, and all of Sherry's nieces and their families. 

 The family would like to offer their heartfelt gratitude to Sherry’s significant other Larry Virgillo and cousin Flo Calais for their exceptional care in her time of need. Many thanks to her wonderful care team at Texas Total Care and Home Hospice, namely Linda, Baileigh, and Dee who were integral to her well-being. Lastly, thank you to all our sweet neighbors, friends, and extended family for your prayers and loving kindness over the years.

 In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made locally to VFW Post 2775 in Orange, TX or the Red Cross in her honor.