Sheri Lea Higgs

On October 7, 2026, at 2:00 a.m., Sheri Lea Hatfield Higgs peacefully left her earthly body, leaving behind a lifetime of love, service, teaching, and lives forever changed by her presence.

Sheri was born on October 20, 1957, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. She was a survivor of the April 19, 1997, bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, an experience that became one chapter in a life marked by remarkable strength, courage, and resilience.

Sheri was the beloved wife of 40 years to Dr. James (Jim) Albert Higgs II. She is also survived by her brother, Rev. David Hatfield, and his wife, Cheryl, whom Sheri lovingly considered a second mother; her sisters, Leigh Erin Hatfield Middleton and Laine Eden Hatfield Berry; and her great-niece, Audrey Laine Middleton.

She leaves behind her sisters-in-law, Pam Haynie and Lu Dull and her husband, as well as nieces and nephews, including Kimberly Dull, Kailea McGehee and her husband Jake, Ryland, Jeromie Cook and his wife Christine, Abby, and Tyler. She also leaves behind her beloved adopted children and former exchange students, Hanyu Zheng, Harry Li and his wife Mei, and Anna Leung and her husband Marshall. Survived also by Brother, Steve Hatfield and Sister in law, Gwen Hatfield, Lauren and husband, Dr.Nate Cross, and Dean, Lincoln, Nola, and Stevie Cross.

Sheri was a remarkable educator whose influence reached far beyond the classroom. She taught higher mathematics, science, and special education and, as a doctoral candidate in special education, discovered her calling in public schools. She dedicated herself to helping students recognize their potential and develop a love for STEM.

Her talents and commitment were recognized throughout her career. While teaching in the Amber-Pocasset School District in Oklahoma, Sheri was nominated as a National Science Teacher of the Year. She coached a student who earned three state medals at the Texas UIL State Academic Meet. She also served as a cheer sponsor, softball coach, Band Mom, and Friday-night Football Mom—often doing whatever her school and students needed.

A graduate of the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma, Sheri was honored as a Distinguished Graduate in August 1997.

A former baton twirler and lifelong lover of sports, particularly softball, Sheri eventually became what she jokingly called the “world’s most unlikely cheerleader coach.” She embraced every role with enthusiasm, humor, and an unwavering commitment to the young people entrusted to her care.

Although she never had children of her own, Sheri was woven into the lives of countless people as a mother, mentor, aunt, coach, teacher, and friend. She wholeheartedly supported the people she loved through pageants, old-house restorations, sporting events, career dreams, and every improbable adventure. She had a rare gift for making people believe that their dreams were worth pursuing. Those who loved her never doubted that she was in their corner.

Sheri also had an enormous heart for rescue dogs. She gave each animal she welcomed into her home safety, compassion, care, and unconditional love. Her beloved dogs were not simply pets—they were family.

Her exchange students held a special place in her heart. Sheri became a second mother to many of them, and several remained close to her throughout her life. Two became like children to her, a testament to the way she opened her heart and her home to others.

Sheri’s greatest legacy cannot be measured by degrees, awards, medals, or titles. It lives in the thousands of former students whose lives she touched. Her lessons extended far beyond mathematics and science. She taught young people to believe in themselves, to work hard, to persevere, and to recognize possibilities where others might see limitations.

Her work will continue through the people she inspired.

Sheri lived a life of purpose, compassion, determination, humor, and extraordinary love. She gave much of herself to others and expected little in return.

To those who knew her best, her absence will be deeply felt.

And for those who were fortunate enough to be loved by Sheri, there is one truth that will remain forever:

I wish I could tell her once more how much it meant to be loved by her.

Her memory will live on in her husband, her family, her students, her adopted children, her beloved animals, and the countless lives she changed simply by being Sheri.

A celebration of life service for Sheri will be held at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, October 24, 2026 at The Woods Baptist Church in Tyler with Rev. Brandi Stevens and Rev. Warren Ethridge officiating. Services are under the direction of Lloyd James Funeral Home.