Dr. Nora Jo Sherman

Nora Jo was born on November 15, 1934, in Pidcoke, Texas, to William Luther and Inez Martin. She is survived by her husband of 71 years, James F. Sherman; her three daughters and son-in-law, Sonya Bernhardt, Karen (Dan) Lavin, and Sheri Jo Sherman; honorary daughter Andrea Stephenson Blocker, three wonderful grandchildren, John, Daniel (Emily), and Mark (Casey) Bernhardt; and two beautiful great-grandchildren, Kilian and Henry. Nora was predeceased by her son, Robert Lee Sherman; her parents, Luther and Inez; her sister and brother-in-law, Elizabeth and Gerald Wharton; and her brother-in-law, Gary Kubala.

From a very young age, Nora Jo showed a great interest in education. She began her formal education at just three years old, when she was recruited to start school so the district could qualify for a bus route. This early start sparked a lifelong passion for learning. She went on to earn her undergraduate degree from the University of Houston, her master's degree from Northern Illinois University, and her Doctorate in Education from the University of Houston. Early in her career, she served as an assistant to Eleanor Tinsley on the HISD school board, helping to usher in racial integration, implement the first free lunch program, and write the funding application to found Houston Community College—which she typed on her beloved IBM electric typewriter.

Nora Jo dedicated 45 years of service to Houston Community College. Her true passion was in the classroom, where she felt she could have the greatest impact. Her teaching touched countless lives, and her encouragement motivated students to persevere through difficult times. She truly believed that education was the key to success.

Beyond her professional achievements, Nora Jo was a talented writer of poetry and short stories. Although never published, her writings remain cherished by her family as a window into her heart and soul.

Nora Jo will be remembered for her huge smile, quick wit, laughter, and love for everyone who knew her. She was a true force of nature whose perpetual positive energy was infectious. She firmly believed that "you are what you think" and taught her daughters to always guard their thoughts, as thoughts become reality.

In keeping with her spirit of kindness and desire to help others, the family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital.

A Memorial Service will be held at Forest Park The Woodlands Funeral Home & Cemetery, 18000 Interstate 45 S, The Woodlands, TX 77384, US, on August 3, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm, followed by a Reception at the same location on August 3, 2026, from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm.