From the start of her life, Laura broke barriers and took on the world with complete fearlessness. Decades later, family and friends are still able to recall how she was the first girl in Bellville Little League to play baseball in the Boys’ Major Division; entered into a skateoff with kids who were far more experienced skaters than her and still finished second; or competed with

her bigger, stronger brothers in basketball games in the family’s driveway. Laura was an incredibly multifaceted individual; as she had her physical accomplishments, she also threw herself into her artistic and intellectual endeavors. While attending Bellville High School, she was a UIL state finalist in poetry, mock trial, and voted Regional All Star Cast in One Act Play. After high school, she earned an English degree from the University of Texas and a Masters in Education from Houston Baptist University. She notably loved all things fashion, and bonded with her mother and family over shopping trips. She had a keen eye for authentic brands and styles of the time. Over the course of her life, Laura worked at the Harris County Sheriff’s Department, a teacher at Bellville High School, and as a loss prevention agent at Nordstroms.

Like the rest of our family, Laura got along better with animals than she did with humans. She loved cats, dogs, horses, and parrots, and adopted several strays over the course of her life. Given this love of animals, it is fitting that she became known to her nieces, nephews, and younger cousins as the Rabbit. Every conversation with Rabbit could lead into a million twists until you realized that y’all have been talking for four hours. This was because Rabbit had a thousand stories and was never ashamed of being raw and open with her family about them. In this way, Rabbit took her passion for teaching outside of the classroom and into everyday life, using the wisdom gained from an adventurous life to help her loved one’s navigate theirs. Laura shared a special relationship with each of her family members. Her nieces and nephews were her world and she loved them beyond measure. Laura and her mom shared a special bond and they were truly best friends and were utterly devoted to each other. One piece of advice she gave to her mom that is resonating with us during this tragic event is - “Don’t worry, mom. God’s got this!” In addition, she instilled upon her family confidence every chance she got, and encouraged everyone to be the best version of themselves. This ability to build someone up was most evident after the birth of her son, Alexander.

Alexander was born April 16, 2006 in Houston, Texas. He was baptized on Dec. 23, 2008 at St. Peter and Paul’s Catholic Church in Frelsburg, Texas, and was a true follower of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. As his mother was known to so many as Rabbit, it was only natural that Alexander became known to his family members as “Bunny” or “Bun.” Having been born with apraxia, a nervous condition that alters the body’s ability to move and speak, he had to work tirelessly with his mother to learn basic life tasks his doctors were skeptical he would ever be capable of doing, such as walking and talking. As he adapted to his condition and began schooling, it became evident that his abilities in physics and mathematics were incredible and his intellect was enormous. Bun’s academics were so incredible that in High School, he was a National Merit Scholar finalist, scored a 1570 on the SAT, and was interviewed by MIT. Regardless of where he went to school or what profession he chose to pursue, there was no doubt to anyone he was destined for a remarkably successful career.

As well as Bun’s mind served him academically, it was even more impressive to see it work in day-to-day interactions. He enjoyed videogames and would play online with his cousins. His sense of humor was very intelligent and esoteric, and his jokes often were so advanced they went over everyone’s heads. Time and time again, he proved that there is no adversity too difficult to overcome.

Laura and Alexander were never one without the other, a dynamic duo, and may they rest together in heaven. Laura and Alex are survived by her mother, Marjorie “Mar” Sherrard; brothers, Clifton and wife Dr. Mercedes Serratos Sherrard of Houston, Rob Sherrard and wife Bethany Sherrard of Industry, Texas; nephews, Lukas Sherrard and Clifton “CJ” Sherrard Jr.; nieces, Ellie and Isabela Sherrard; cousins, Sarah Schmidt from Houston, Texas, Dr. Anne Schmidt of Hoover, Alabama, John Sellers of North Carolina, Cherene Sellers of North Carolina, Pam Wiles of Spring, Texas, and Lisa Grande of Montgomery, Texas; uncles Mike and Bobby Schmidt; aunts Linda Sellers and Anne Bailey of Houston, Texas.

They are preceded in death by Laura’s father, Robert Sr.; cousin Reagan Schmidt; and grandparents Ellie and Monroe Schmidt.

Visitation was held on Thursday, March 9, 2023 from 5-7 p.m. at Henneke Funeral Home in Columbus, Texas. A rosary followed at 7 p.m.

Funeral services were held on Friday, March 10, 2023 at 10 a.m. at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Frelsburg, Texas with Fr. Bob Knippenberg officiating. Visitation at the church was from 9-10 a.m.

Burial followed in Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Cemetery in Frelsburg.

The pallbearers included Clifton Sherrard, Dr. Mercedes Serratos Sherrard, CJ Sherrard, Isabela Sherrard, Rob Sherrard, Bethany Sherrard, Lukas Sherrard, Sarah Schmidt, Dr. Ann Schmidt, Midorie Dixon, John Sellers, Tim Pawlowski, Allyson Pawlowski, Matthew Pawlowski, and Clayton Pawlowski. Honorary pallbearers included Ellie Sherrard, Bobby Schmidt, Lisa Hahn, Cheri Reichel, Cherene Sellers, Pam Wiles, and Lisa Granda.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to support children with speech and communication disorders to The Parish School, 11001 Hammerly Blvd., Houston, Texas 77043 or online at parishschool.org Online condolences may be given at www.hennekefuneralhome. com.