Sherry Ann Smith O'Kelley

Sherry entered Eternal Life with her Lord and Savior on October 2, 2026 at the age of 88, after 8 years navigating Parkinson’s Disease. She was born near Abilene TX on June 28, 1938, the only child of Earldean Swift Smith and Earnest Franklin Smith. She adored her parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Sherry spent her childhood years in Abilene and graduated from Abilene High School. She was a self-described tom boy, loving sports and everything outdoors including being on her high school tennis team, enjoying her horse “Dink” at her grandparents’ ranch, and being a great shot with a “22”. She attended Southern Methodist University and was a proud member of Delta Delta Delta Sorority.

Sherry raised her daughters in Odessa TX. She spent time volunteering at kids’ schools, serving as Secretary of the Odessa Junior League, playing tennis, photography (she had her own Dark Room), and attended The Lutheran Church of The Risen Lord.

Later living in Midland TX for 19 years Sherry served as President of the Board of Trustees of The Museum of the Southwest, and later as a member of the Board of Governors. Many hours were spent on the tennis court, and she served on the board of directors of the Midland Racquet Club. As a member of the American Society of Interior Designers, Sherry formed Sherry O’Kelley Interiors and was active in commercial, residential and healthcare design. Her residential designs were featured in three different issues of Southern Living Magazine. She was a Lifetime Member and served on the board of TAID. She was active in and loved her church, The Episcopal Church of The Holy Trinity.

Moving to San Antonio in 2001, Sherry became active in Christ Episcopal Church and served in Pastoral Care. She was a co-facilitator for Community of Hope International and served on the Vestry at Christ Church. She became a member of the Texas Pastel Society, The River Art Group and displayed her pastel paintings in their gallery at La Villita Arts Village.

Sherry had many wonderful friends in Abilene, Dallas, Odessa, Midland and San Antonio, who she still kept up with.

Her joys in life were spending time with her two daughters and their families, especially her five grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren who knew her as “Binky”. Other joys in life were lunch with friends, her pets (she always had a Toy Poodle) attending Christ Church, Bible Study, Mahjong, birding and painting.

When asked what her advice would be in an interview by granddaughter, Sydney, her answer was: “Keep God at the center of your life and follow your heart.” To Sherry, Mother and Binky “thank you for a life well lived and for teaching us what is important in life”.

Sherry is preceded in death by her parents.

Sherry is survived by her daughters and their families: Cathy O’Kelley Smith (Madison) of San Antonio TX, and Christy O’Kelley Atkinson (Kevin) of Annapolis MD. Grandchildren (who lovingly called her “Miss Manners” on occasion): Drew Smith (Cassie), Sydney Smith Aschbacher (Jake), Claire Smith Thompson (Glen), Garrett Atkinson (Brooke), Kelley Atkinson Tabler (Griffin). Great grandchildren: Mabry, Wells and Olivia Smith, Lydia and Isla Aschbacher, James, Russ and Paul Thompson, Daniel Atkinson.

Our family would like to thank numerous caregivers including Dr. Paul H. Smith, SunCrest Hospice-Ashley and Shey, Maria Cruz, Betty Gonzales, Sally Renteria, Amy Lopez, Rose Cazares, Diana Peche, Pamela, Carmel, Sharicka, Denise, Tina, Minerva, staff at Franklin Park, and Just Like Home for Seniors.

A memorial service will be held on October 16th, 11:00am at Christ Episcopal Church, San Antonio.

In lieu of flowers, Memorials can be made to Christ Episcopal Church/Pastoral Care, 510 Belknap Place, San Antonio TX 78212, or Charity of your choice.