Kristi Fawn Bustamante

Born on October 23, 1972, in Dallas, Texas, Kristi was a daughter of the late William James Sherman and Linda Fay Carroll Corley.

Kristi will be remembered for a heart that met others with steady kindness and genuine compassion. Her love was faithful and enduring—given freely, without condition—and it shaped the way she moved through the world and the way she held those closest to her.

Her care for others was reflected in her non-profit humanitarian venture, “The Stepping Stone,” a work rooted in love and dedication and guided by a sincere desire to help. Through this commitment, Kristi’s devotion and loyalty were evident not only in what she did, but in the spirit with which she did it.

Kristi also appreciated the finer things in life and found special joy in the seasons that gathered people together. Thanksgiving and Christmas were her favorite holidays, times that reflected what mattered most to her—being surrounded by family and sharing love in simple, meaningful ways. She also had special love for Buc-ee's, most especially all of the gifts from many of the stores she would receive from her "bonus father."

More than anything, Kristi loved spending time with family. She especially enjoyed time with Hazel, delighting in moments that allowed Hazel to play “Nurse.” Known as “Nena” to many, she held a cherished place in countless hearts and will be remembered as deeply beloved and profoundly loving.

Kristi is survived by her mother Linda Corley-Baker and “bonus father” Les Baker of Eustace, Texas; her daughters Melodi Dawn Shawver (Brandon) of Eustace, Texas, and Brenda Lee Gonzales (Justin) of Houston, Texas; her grandchildren Aiva, Elijah, and Michael; her sisters Misti Sowell (David) of Alba, Texas, Denise Whitley (Pete) of Augusta, Georgia, Sherrie Young of Augusta, Georgia, and Deborah Connell of Augusta, Georgia; her brothers Jody Sherman (Donna) of Dallas, Texas, and Johnny W. Corley, Jr., of Irving, Texas; her nieces Araminta Cherry, Cameron Smith, Jacie Wilson, Faith Wilson, Amanda, Amy, and Emiley; her nephews Jeffrey, George and David Sowell, Jr. (Shayan); her great niece Charlotte Jane Smith; her great nephews Brysen Karson Newsome and Jettson Wayne Sowell; her “besties” OG-Jeannie, Q-Anguenette, and Bestie-Selina; her beloved best friend, John Bustamante; and her Aunt Brenda Carroll and momma Sheri.

Along with her father William Sherman, she was preceded in death by her “bonus father” Johnny Corley; her brother William Sherman, Jr.; her godson Preston Ray Cherry; her niece Megan Fawn Elrod; her nephew Nathan Sowell; her grandpa Roy Carroll; her grandmother Helen Rodgers; her fiancé Michael Russell; and her dog O’Malley Bustamante.

The family will receive friends at Eubank Cedar Creek Funeral Home in Mabank, Texas, on Thursday, May 21, 2026, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm.