Roll Call Tribute

Sheryl Jane (Pavlas) Harris 

November 14, 1954 - July 28, 2024 

Sheryl Jane Harris, 69, a beacon of love and generosity, passed away unexpectedly at home in Rosenberg, Texas on Sunday, July 28, 2024, after a courageous battle with leukemia. Born Sheryl Jane Pavlas in Shiner, Texas November 14, 1954, to Willie and Jeannette Pavlas, she became a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, friend and Texas A&M Aggie. Whoop!

Sheryl's early years were spent in Missouri City and Stafford where she attended Dulles High School and laid the foundation for a life characterized by resilience and a spirit of service. Her journey took her from the halls of her high school to Texas A&M University, to the heart of her community where she became a cherished figure through her various roles as mother, friend, spouse, grandmother, caretaker, local community leader, and an amazing church member and servant.

Sheryl’s life was one of simple pleasures and profound connections. Her love of reading and writing led her to publish 2 books of poetry. She was often found writing, sharing stories and laughter with family and friends. She was the embodiment of love, her generous spirit touching the lives of all who knew her. Her selfless nature was evident in every aspect of her life, from the way she cared for her elders and those less fortunate than her. As the author Helen Keller once said, “The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched—they must be felt with the heart." She created a world of beauty and love that was felt deeply by those around her.

Her producer/director talents were enjoyed by many elderly patients at Clayton Oaks Living Facility where she wrote and produced several plays. However, out of these accomplishments and activities, her love and support for her grandchildren was her most proud moments.

Sheryl loved to travel, visiting places such as Mexico, France, Israel, and Costa Rica reflecting her appreciation for beauty and history. Sheryl’s adventurous spirit shone through in her love for her friends with road trips and the occasional visits to the Hill Country and San Antonio where she enjoyed learning about the history of the various cities, visiting museums and searching for antiques.

Sheryl graduated from Texas A&M, Class of '76, then became Sr. Tax Accountant for Shell Oil Company where she worked, served on the diversity committee, mentored incoming accountants and devoted 30 plus years. She became a member of Harvest Methodist Church in Sienna where she was very active and taught and attended bible studies, spent many hours with her vintage group and planned activities and many other events. She has held a position as director/ charter member/ founding lifetime member of the Polka Lovers Club of Texas Museum in La Grange, Texas, a tribute to the legacy of her father, Willie, who was actively engaged in the founding of the museum.

Sheryl’s life was a tapestry woven with threads of selflessness and devotion to her family. She is preceded in death by her Father, Willie Pavlas, Mother Jeannette Pavlas and is survived by her husband of 31 years, Wellie K. Harris, Jr.; 4 Children – Kelly Tolar and husband Trey, Matthew Harris and wife Chauncy, Christie Gilmore and partner Anthony, Kyle Harris and girlfriend Hillary Payne; Brother William Pavlas and wife Michele - 5 grandchildren, Grace Harris, Allie Tolar, Norman Gilmore IV, Ashton Tolar and Sydney Gilmore along with a host of other loving family members and friends.

As we bid farewell to Sheryl, we celebrate a life well-lived—a life that inspired, nurtured, and uplifted. She was a woman of extraordinary character, whose presence enriched the world in countless ways. She created a world of beauty and love that was felt deeply by those around her and will be forever missed.

Funeral services will be held Monday, August 5, 2024, at 10:00 A.M. at Harvest Methodist Church in Sienna with burial to follow in Greenlawn Memorial Park in Rosenberg. The family will receive friends from 9:00 A.M. until service time Monday at the Church. Reverend Ben Lohmer will officiate. Family and friends will also be meeting at La Casona Mexican Restaurant in Rosenberg after the gravesite service.

In Memory of Sheryl Jane Pavlas-Harris, donations may be made to MD Anderson Cancer Center MDAnderson.org/Gifts and the Polka Lovers Club of Texas Museum, P.O. Box 72, La Grange, Texas 78945.

Tributes and words of condolence may be left for the family at www.davisgreenlawnfh.com. 

Arrangements are under the direction of Davis-Greenlawn Funeral Home, 3900 B.F. Terry Blvd. (Hwy 59 South @ FM 2218), Rosenberg, Texas 77471.