Sherry Renee Cart Lyons

When tomorrow starts without me, please try to understand. An angel came and called my name and took me by the hand. The angel said my place was ready in Heaven far above, but I would have to leave behind all those I dearly love. As I walked through Heaven's Gates, I felt so much at home. I knew at once, this is where I now belong. So when tomorrow starts without me, don't think we're far apart, for every time you think of me, I'm right there in your heart. Our tomorrows have started without her and we will never be the same.

Sherry Renee Cart Lyons, age 65, passed away Tuesday, April 29, 2025, in the comfort of her home, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on August 13,1959 at Our Lady of the Lake Hospital in Baton Rouge, La. She lived there until 1971, when the family moved to Lake Charles.

Sherry attended A.M. Barbe High School, where she was a flag corps member of the Band of Blue. After high school, she attended McNeese State University, where she majored in Elementary Education. While at MSU, Sherry was an active member of the Chi Omega sorority and worked in the office at Barger's Drug Store. She was always known as "Renee" to family members, but as "Sherry" in her school and professional positions. This sometimes caused confusion for others, but she was a precious and loyal friend to anyone that called her by either of her names. It was while attending McNeese, that Sherry met the love of her life. She and Steve Lyons met on a blind date, at a Chi Omega/Kappa Sigma party, began dating, then married on March 6, 1982. After completing her education degree, Sherry took a job teaching P.E. at St. Margaret Catholic School here in Lake Charles. Little did she know, she would spend the next 40 years on that campus as an educator, mentor, mother, and then grandmother. Her children attended there and then later her grandchildren. Sherry, known affectionately as "Mrs. Lyons", taught hundreds of students PE, 2nd grade, 5th grade, and then Kindergarten. She loved spending her days with young students and teaching them about her beloved Catholic faith. She was an inspiration to parents, students, and fellow teachers for 33 years as a full time teacher. After her retirement, she continued to substitute teach at SMCS until the onset of her illness. She was blessed to teach her grandchildren and the descendants of her former students over the years. Her presence on the St. Margaret campus will always be felt and she will be greatly missed by her many peers and students.

Steve and Sherry spent many years following their children in St. Margaret and then St. Louis athletic and academic endeavors. They made many friends along the way and enjoyed the special camaraderie between fellow Catholic school parents and supporters. After her retirement, Sherry kept a very active life. She enjoyed traveling to help and support her daughter, Sarah, wherever she lived. There were road trips and flights to Enid, OK and later traveling eastward to Hammond, LA to support her son in law, Jeremy, and the SLU volleyball team. She always enjoyed babysitting her precious Karter and Maggie. Sherry and Steve attended many softball and soccer events for Wes and Lucy here in town and wherever they competed. Lawn chairs and stadium seats were always in the car and Steve and Sherry were ready to go anywhere to support their children and grandchildren in any and all activities! These were golden days for Sherry, as her grandchildren were always the center of her world! Sherry also took a retirement job at L'auberge Casino, serving at banquets and special events. She enjoyed the work and made many new friends there. Sherry loved her life as a wife, mother, teacher, daughter, sister, and friend. She was always faithful and helpful to anyone in need.

Sherry loved traveling to new places and made several RV camping trips with her sisters, Kim and Kristi. She and Kim made some cross country trips to Branson, MO, Savannah, GA and Lexington, KY. She was a great navigator and was always prepared for any unexpected surprise along the way. She visited Disney with all 4 of her grandchildren on several occasions and loved sharing the excitement and adventure with her family. During her illness, her family shared in preparing her for the greatest trip she would ever take, her trip from this world to the next. It has truly been a blessing to walk with her toward a destination we all hope to travel to one day. She passed from this life as she lived, with faith, hope, and love.

Sherry is survived by her loving husband, Stephen Craig Lyons, whom she shared her life with for 43 years. Sherry and Steve are the parents of two children, Scott Christian Lyons (Elizabeth) and Sarah Lyons White (Jeremy). Those two children blessed them with 4 precious grandchildren, Wes Michael Lyons, Lucy Anne Lyons, Karter James White, and Maggie Cate White.

She is also survived by her father, James Russell Cart, Sr., and four siblings; Kimberly Cart Ardoin (CJ), Kristen Cart Fontenot (Matt), Rusty Cart (Susan), and Kevin Cart (Michele), all of the Lake Charles area. She leaves one brother in law, Jeffrey Lyons, of San Francisco. Memories of "Nan" will be cherished by her many nieces, nephews, and godchildren. Sherry Renee was preceded in death by her mother, Bobbie L. Cart and her husband's parents, Michael and Eleanor Lyons.

A gathering for family and friends will be at Johnson Funeral Home, Thursday, May 1, 2025, from 4:00pm until 8:00pm with a Rosary to be recited at 7pm. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at St. Margaret Catholic Church, Friday, May 2, 2025, beginning at 11:00am, with burial to follow at Consolata cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, any memorial donations may be made in her name to St. Margaret Catholic School, 2510 Enterprise Blvd, Lake Charles, LA, 70601.