Sheryl Jeannine Longoria

Sheryl Jeannine Longoria was born on March 24, 1969, to Joseph and Theresa Longoria. Because of her Spina Bifida, the doctors did not have much hope for her survival beyond even a couple of days and suggestions were made that Joe and Theresa concentrate on their six healthy children. Ignoring that advice, Joe and Theresa brought Sheryl home, learning to care for her special needs and fighting for the medical care and education that Sheryl needed and deserved. Through their determination and love, Sheryl attended school and graduated from Lake Highlands High School in 1991. After graduation, she briefly worked for both Target and Presbyterian Hospital. Sheryl’s life was celebrated and joyful. She was smart and funny, possessing talents that would amaze everyone who knew her. She learned Spanish from her caregivers, had perfect pitch and the most amazing memory. She could recall with ease everyone who had ever cared for her in hospitals, in the schools she attended, and the jobs she held. She could recite baseball player statistics and music recording details such as singers, songwriters and musicians. Sheryl had a sometimes mischievous sense of humor. She giggled at so many memories from her past and would lure you in for a hug, only to reach up and tickle you under your arm when you were within reach. Perhaps her most wonderful quality was her endless capacity to love. She loved everyone she met but most of all loved her family. She never forgot a birthday, or other special occasion and would always be one of the first to recognize that day with a phone call or FaceTime call.

To say that Sheryl had some challenges would be grossly understating the situation. But Sheryl was courageous and tolerant and enduring without complaint. She was strong and resilient. She confounded so many doctors in her life. So many times, they had completely given up on her but she did not give up on herself. The fighter inside kept her going and going. Every one of her 54 years was a miracle and we were fortunate enough to witness those miracles every day. However cliché it may be, she gave us so much more than we ever gave to her. God trusted us with an angel and gave us the opportunity to care for that angel until He couldn’t bear to be without her another day.

Sheryl is preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Theresa Longoria, and her grandparents, Marie Morfin and Nick and Mary Lavolpicella. She is survived by her siblings, Maria Longoria Farrell (John), Joe Longoria (Brenda), Jeff Longoria (Rose), Theresa Longoria Allen (Anna Sorrell), James Longoria (Tamae), and Michele Longoria. She is also survived by 20 nieces and nephews and 25 grand nieces and nephews.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Sparkman-Crane.com for the Longoria family.