Sheryl "Sherry" Patterson Coldwell, 72 years old
May 11, 1942 – April 10, 2015

Sherry Coldwell was a devoted mother, sister, aunt, daughter, & cousin; and she was a friend to everyone she met. She loved gardening, singing, the outdoors, and riding roller coasters with her hands in the air, showing her spunky approach to life!

Sherry was born to Elmer and Bessie Patterson in Hereford, Texas. The youngest of the three "Patterson girls," Sherry followed in the footsteps of her beloved sisters, Gerry and Nancy. She was active as a child in Camp Fire, church, and piano recitals. She graduated from Hereford High School in 1960, earned an ABA from Lubbock Christian College in 1962, and a BA from Abilene Christian College in 1964. While at ACU, Sherry was involved in theater and several choirs. Upon graduating, Sherry shared her passion for the English language as she worked as a librarian, reading instructor, and speech & debate teacher.

On August 7, 1965, she married Joe Coldwell, the love of her life and they celebrated 29 years together. They loved that their anniversary was 8-7-65 and celebrated it by traveling to a different state every year. They lived in Massachusetts, Hawaii, Arizona, and Maryland before settling in Tulsa in 1971 where they worked as apartment owners and entrepreneurs. Sherry moved to Texas in 2010 to be near to her girls. All told, Sherry's love of travel and new cultures was evident in that she visited 45 states and ten countries.

She was the best mother anyone could ask for. As a Camp Fire Leader for both of her girls' Camp Fire clubs and active volunteer in so many organizations, she was truly "Momma Sherry" to their friends. She was actively involved in PTA at Emerson Elementary, was a cabin mom at Carver Middle School's Wildcat Wilderness, and was a fierce supporter of the Booker T. Washington Hornets. Sherry loved hot air balloons, and during her time as PTA President, her motto was "The Sky's the Limit." She encouraged others to believe in themselves and instilled in them a belief that they could accomplish anything they set their mind to. She often said that "If it is to be, it is up to me" was the most powerful ten-word, two letter phrase!

Sherry had a vibrant faith. She was baptized on October 5, 1952 and carried on a legacy of positive Christian beliefs. She truly believed that your attitude is a choice you make. "As a man thinks, so is he" Proverbs 33:7. She encouraged us to look for the rainbow after the storm, and always wanted God to be glorified in every situation.

Sherry was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma in 2005, and throughout her journey, she always managed to keep a positive outlook on life—even playing "April Fool's" pranks on her hospital staff! She became active in the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and Multiple Myeloma support groups, the First Connection mentoring programs for cancer patients, public speaking opportunities, and Light the Night walks in Tulsa and Dallas, raising money for cancer research. At the end of her ten-year battle with cancer, her spirit outlasted her body and on Friday, April 10, she passed peacefully from this earth.

Sherry is survived by her daughters, Katie Coldwell and Sarah Coldwell, both of Farmers Branch, TX; her sisters, Geraldine Bennett of Orange, CA and Nancy Ward of Cincinnati, OH; Bob and Carol Arledge, of Broken Arrow, OK; and many dear nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Coldwell; her parents, Bessie & Elmer Patterson; and her beloved mother-in-law, Kathryn Woodbridge Coldwell.

Services will be Friday, April 17 at Park Plaza Church of Christ (5925 E. 51st Street, Tulsa) at 11:00 AM, with burial following at Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be at Moore Southlawn (9350 E 51st Street, Tulsa) on Thursday, April 16 from 5-8 PM. There will also be a Celebration of Life service in Dallas, TX on May 2 at 10 AM at the Webb Chapel Church of Christ.

One thing Sherry loved (even more than her passion for flowers) was helping others. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to one of the following, or to an organization of your choosing:

- Abilene Christian University
- Camp Fire Green Country Council
- Dry Bones Denver
- Hope Harbor
- Leukemia and Lymphoma Society

"The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace."