Cheryl Ann 'Sherry' Nixon
Cheryl Ann Nixon, 69, of Stigler, passed away Friday, September 3, 2021. She was born May 16, 1952 in McAlester, Oklahoma to O.D. & Bobbie (Hudson) Robertson.
Sherry’s greatest feature was her heart. Her highschool sweetheart, Larry, captured it and married her nearly 54 years ago. She called the wedding simple and special, which meant perfect. She always recognized beauty and value wrapped in simplicity. She had a quiet, gentle nature. She loved her afternoon rides in the country with Larry, especially in the Fall. They also enjoyed fishing and golfing together. Sherry worked from home as the bookkeeper in their gas well business. After their children were grown she also worked in the field alongside Larry. The best time was time spent together. They were partners in everything, but their family was the greatest product of their love.
Sherry was a full-time Mom and caretaker of home base. She said it was her greatest dream to be a good wife, Mom, and Nana. She not only exceeded her dream, but also, we’re pretty sure, made some world records that will never be broken. She taught her children commitment. She showed them that love was a choice to be made daily, and every day she chose yes. She loved wholly, earnestly, unreservedly, and unconditionally.
That love still covers us. She welcomed interruptions from her children as opportunities. She gave them an amazing childhood, stringing up blanket tents over clotheslines, making picnics, and oohing & aahing over her kids’ creations, as if they were worthy contenders for the Nobel Peace Prize.
Sherry loved to read, and passed this along to her kids. She always encouraged imagination and creativity. She greeted her children after school with snacks and eagerness to hear about their day. She listened. She sacrificed. She tutored them in everything from English to algebra, and had a surprising streak of mama bear tenacity when necessary. She championed goodness, and rebuked wrong. She gave wise, confident counsel laced with encouragement. Her kids still marvel at the kindness she showed while disciplining them. In later years her oldest son dubbed her, “Crazy Ol’ Moma,” and we loved how it made her giggle. She shared her joy of collecting baseball cards, coins, and stamps with her other son. She was her daughter’s best friend.
Sherry made things special, from holidays to everydays. “Nana’s bag” was something magical, mostly because of the one who carried it, and partly due to the treasures within: books, play-doh, and arts & craft supplies galore. It held the glittering guarantee of messy fun with Nana. Sherry served selflessly and with great joy. Her golden heart thrilled in making others feel special. She anticipated a grandchild’s need for scrambled eggs and cinnamon toast after school. She tucked everyone in blankets before they realized they were cold. She had her famous hugs and pancakes ready and waiting on Saturday mornings. She never turned down a request if it was within her power to fulfill it. Each of her 13 grandchildren were secretly certain they were her favorite. And they were right.
Sherry was saved and baptized as a young girl. She spoke of God’s grace during her long battle with terminal illness, and her testimony of faithfulness is a gift etched on our hearts. She fought with grace and honor; her husband and her Bible were always by her side. She wrapped her heart in the Lord’s promises until the day He wrapped her in His arms. Sherry was one of our greatest treasures on earth, and is now one of our brightest treasures in Heaven. Our hearts ache and rejoice for the day we can be with her again and always.
Cheryl is survived by her loving husband of 53 years, Larry Nixon of the home; a daughter-in-law, Deborah Nixon of Whitefield; a son & daughter-in-law, Chris & Jaclyn Nixon of Stigler; a daughter & son-in-law, Tera & Travis Palmer of McCurtain; 13 grandchildren: Jacob, Leah, Eliza, James, Kylie, Rebekah, Wade, Mya, Kate, Reid, Anna, William, Ethan; a brother, John Anderson of Stigler; a sister & brother-inlaw, Laura & Ronnie Dill of McCurtain.
Cheryl is preceded in death by her father, O.D. Robertson; her mother, Bobbie Mc Cullar; a son, Brandon Douglas Nixon; a sister & brother-in-law, Susan & Terry Randolph.
Graveside service was 11:00 am Tuesday, September 7, 2021 in Stigler Cemetery with Reverend Travis Palmer officiating. Pallbearers include Loyd Nixon, Scott Johnson, Jeremy Bishop, John Anderson Jr., John Anderson III, Wade Nixon.
Burial followed immediately under the direction of King & Shearwood Funeral Home of Stigler.