Sheri Louise Baden

July 29, 1944 - July 8, 2025

Sheri Louise Baden, 80, of Beaumont, Texas, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 8, 2025. Born on July 29, 1944, in Beaumont to Elsie L. Stapleton and C.T. Barrett Jr., Sheri lived a life filled with service, energy, and a deep love for her family, students, and community.

She is survived by her loving children, Kyle Baden and his wife JoAnn of Galveston, Texas, and Derek Baden and his wife Katie of Sugar Land, Texas. She was a proud and devoted grandmother to Rachael Neville and her fiancé, Vincent, of League City, Texas; Chelsea (Jasper) Baden and husband, Elias, of La Marque, Texas; and Abby and Anna Baden of Sugar Land, Texas. Her grandchildren as well as her great-grandchildren, Aubrey and Coby Neville, also of League City, Texas, brought her immeasurable joy. Sheri is also survived by her dear sisters, Chris Davis of Corpus Christi, Texas, and Brenda Lovett of Brookland, Texas.

She is preceded in death by her parents and her beloved husband, Ray Baden, who passed away in 1993.

A 1962 graduate of French High School, Sheri went on to earn her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Lamar State College of Technology on May 13, 1970.  Sheri began her teaching career in 1968 at French Elementary in Beaumont as a substitute teacher for Third Grade.  Her motto, learned from mentor Jim Grant, was: “Experiment, Explore, Change, Grow!”

In January 1969, she accepted a position teaching Second Grade at Longfellow Elementary.  In 1973, she accepted a position teaching Kindergarten at All Saints Episcopal School where she taught until she retired in 2017.   Over the course of more than forty-five years, she taught hundreds of Southeast Texas children—many of whom have gone on to become leaders and professionals in the community.

Sheri’s dedication to her students was matched by her recognition among peers. In 2002, she was inducted into the Educator Hall of Fame at Lamar University, and in 2005, she was named the National Kindergarten Teacher of the Year by the Staff Development for Educators Association.

But “teacher” only scratches the surface of who Sheri was. She lived life with intention and vibrancy.   Her motto was “Life itself won’t give you joy unless you really will it.  Life just gives you time and space; it’s up to you to fill it!”

As a devoted member of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, Sheri faithfully served on the vestry and joyfully lent her support to the church’s annual chili fundraiser. When once asked, she stated she found her inner peace through remembering to “Be still and know that I am God.”

After Ray’s passing, her sons encouraged her to find new adventures. They gave her a bike, which led to her riding in the MS 150 from Houston to Austin for over fifteen years. She co-founded the Wednesday Evening Social Ride and served on the board of the SETX Hike and Bike Coalition often biking over one hundred miles per week.

She was an active member of the Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association, a past Matron of the Beaumont 71 Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star, and a proud member of P.E.O.

Sheri loved to dance, bike, volunteer, and most of all, spend time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her calendar was always full, and she embraced every moment with passion and enthusiasm.

Sheri lived life with grace, courage, and heart. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her.

A gathering of Mrs. Baden’s family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Monday, July 14, 2025, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. Her funeral service celebrating her life will be 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, July 15, 2025, at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 680 Calder Avenue, Beaumont. Her graveside service will follow at 3:00 p.m. at Ebenezer Cemetery, 400 County Road 62, Jasper.

 

Download Program

Gathering of Family and Friends

Broussard’s Mortuary Major Dr.
  • 1605, North Major Drive, Beaumont, Texas, 77713,
  • July 14, 2025
  • 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Funeral Service

St. Mark’s Episcopal Church
  • 680, Calder Avenue, Beaumont, Texas, 77701,
  • July 15, 2025
  • 10:00 am

Graveside Service

Ebenezer Cemetery, Jasper
  • 400, County Road 62, Jasper, Texas, 75951,
  • July 15, 2025
  • 3:00 pm

Comments (26)

    Gay Collins Dawson says:

    So sorry to learn of Sher’s passing. She was a sweet friend at FHS. We had some fun times. RIP Gay Collins Dawson

    Becky & Rodney Ames says:

    So very sorry for your loss. Heartfelt prayers to the family. I didn’t know Sheri well but I always enjoyed visiting with her. She will truly be missed by many. Rest in Peace. Becky

    Chrissy Dryden Neal says:

    Sheri is the first teacher most people think of when All Saints School is mentioned. She taught at All Saints when my brother and I attended, then later, was my oldest son’s teacher when we lived in Beaumont. I still remember so many of the sweet “Pearls of Wisdom” she instilled in her students. What a beautiful gift she had and an incredible legacy she left.
    The Dryden & Neal Family

    Stacy Chriswell says:

    Sheri was a childhood friend of my dad, Charles Chriswell, and he introduced us at the Taste for Some Other Place on one of my trips to Beaumont. Sheri invited me to go biking the next time I was in town, and the rest is history. From that point on, I almost looked forward more to seeing Sheri on my trips to Texas that I did to seeing my own family! We made plans every time I came to town. Even though she had an activity every evening, we always found a way to make it work–whether it was biking, dancing, or visiting local museums and tourist attractions. I left Texas when I was little, so Sheri took me to see places my relatives never thought to take me when I came to town. She also told me stories about her family and helped me find long-lost relatives at the local cemeteries. Her house on Central Drive was the one my dad and his sisters grew up in, and I loved hearing the story of how she acquired it. Thanks to Sheri, I had the opportunity to watch a movie in, what used to be, my grandparents’ bedroom. They lived there long before I was born, so it was a special treat to see the inside of that house! Derek and Branden, thank you for sharing your mom with the rest of us. She became kind of like a cool aunt who was always up for adventure! And thank you for giving her that bike, because that was how I got to know your mom! To all of her former students– she spoke so fondly of all of you. I wish I could have had her as my own Kindergarten teacher! I’m a teacher, myself, and Sheri inspired me to want to be not only a better teacher, but a better human being. I last saw her in early 2020, just before the pandemic.She stored my dad’s things in her attic after a string of events forced him into a nursing home. She was a lifesaver in doing that. My dad passed away the following year, but circumstances prevented me from attending his funeral, and I still haven’t made it back down there. I regret not getting to see your Mom again. She will always hold a special place in my heart, and I will never forget her. Y’all were lucky to call her “Mom”, because she was an incredible woman.

    Sandrajran zahar says:

    Sheri was such a great friend to me we spent many times together having fun and doing things that we enjoyed. We went to concerts. Spent time at her beach house and went dancing on Saturday night. She will be greatly missed by everyone who know her.

    Michael Weaver says:

    Mrs Baden was a light to every child she has ever taught. She was mine, and 30 years later, my daughter’s teacher.
    She will be missed, but never forgotten.
    We’re love you Mrs Baden

    Ruth Aubey says:

    Sheri Baden was always smiling. I knew her at St. Mark’s Church where she was a part of every service for many years. Sheri was also a part of Dean’s Culture Group – a band of singles who attended the symphony and theater together and celebrated everyones’ birthdays. She was always smiling!!

    Julie Scott says:

    Mrs. Badon was the best! My son and daughter both had her for their kindergarten teacher. She would invite students to her house individually around Christmas for a visit and give them a cookie, small gift. She went out of her way to make them feel special. We had a good laugh when she said my daughter told her that her mom (me) was drinking and driving while taking her to school. I guess she saw too many commercials. I admit I was, but it was a cup of coffee every morning. Always makes me laugh when I think about it. We have bike riding in common and I was so proud of her doing the MS 150 multiple times. She will be so missed.

    Robin Hreman Grant Gerhardt & Annaliese Gerhardt Phillips says:

    Mrs. B you were our most favorite teacher putting up with us always late and Annaliese telling Mrs. B we are late today because mommy got picked up by the police again for speeding. As the kids grew we would go into her room and hide the president of the USA from her. She knew it was us and she finally taped the pix down so we could not steal anymore. We gave her a step class Barbie as an inside joke she cherished and kept that Barbie in her room forever. Mrs. B was our friend confidant and the best Teacher in the world. You know the book i Learned everything in life in kindergarten well my kids did. She came to many of our New Years Eve Parties and 4th of july parties. WE love you so much and you will be missed Love you forever Mrs B Herman Robin Grant and Annaliese

    Sarah (Emfinger) Morgan says:

    I taught with Sheri for several years at All Saints. She shared a joy for learning with her students. She always shared stories about students, former students, and her grandchildren. May your hearts feel the love from so many people she has touched. God Bless.

    Carole & Dick Marsh says:

    Sheri will certainly be missed. She has been a friend since childhood. She loved her FHS classmates & enjoyed when we were all together. I have wonderful childhood memories of time spent with her at church, school, & sleepovers at her home & mine, as well as the times we spent planning class reunions!. May God bless her boys & their families during the days to come.

    Kathy Crawford says:

    Sheri was one of the all time great kindergarten teachers and my son had the privilege of being in her class. When he was attending Monsignor Kelly High School he returned to her class as a student aid. I kept up with her through her move to Calder Woods but lost touch once my mother in law passed. Her spirit for life, the outdoors and cycling kept her young and full of life. You will be missed by all your students and we parents that had the honor of knowing you.

    Penny Taft says:

    You were a wonderful and fun person. Thanks for your service and your special way of showing your love to each and every one of us as your students. You were one of a kind. ❤️

    Mitch Toups says:

    When I was a member of the All Saints Board for several years I remember whenever we needed to know what was done in the many years before, we could always count on Mrs Baden to have the answer. She would not only know the facts, but she knew the reasons the decisions were made. Our children who were all taught by her, even in their late 20’ s, still talk about how important she was in their life. As Board members we always wished and hoped we could find more Teachers like Mrs Baden, as she was the foundation of our wonderful school All Saints. I told all the Teachers at All Saints that they are truly Angels on Earth, as they are so important in our children’s life. Mrs Baden bettered the lives of 1000’s of children and as she has now gone to Heaven she has the other Angels in a classroom and you can bet class is in!! Love you Sheri —in God’s peace. Mitchell Toups

    Franny Oxford says:

    I guess I was in Mrs. Bayden’s first kinder class at All Saints – and she taught many more of the Oxford clan. Mrs. Baden was an extraordinary teacher, igniting curiosity at a very young age. I remember learning I was left-footed but right handed from her, but I also remember that she taught us how she figured that out, and the basics of observation and reasoning. I loved her, and so did many, many children who learned from her. Blessings.

    Anthony Fertitta says:

    Deepest sympathies for Sheri’s family. Our prayers are with you during this difficult time.

    Seawillow Edwards says:

    Mrs. Baden was my kindergarten teacher. She made all of her students feel like they were her favorite! Our house flooded when I was in kindergarten. She washed all of my babydoll’s clothes after the flood. It was the sweetest act of kindness. Also- she gave the BEST hugs! Derek and Branden, thank you for sharing your dear Mama with so many. Her kind voice, beautiful smile and loving spirit live inside so many. I can’t see an owl without thinking of her!

    Nancy Smith says:

    I loved my Sheri ! She was one in a million. Our children grew up together and Sheri and I were sorority sisters. Love her like a dear sister. Derek and Branden, I know how horrible it is to lose a dear one. Please know you are in my prayers.

    Kimberley Graves says:

    Sheri was my kindergarten teacher and my very favorite ever! I had the pleasure of having her also be my daughter’s kindergarten teacher at All Saints and the first, second generation for her to teach! She always has a special place in our hearts. She was so sweet to all the children and I’m forever grateful to have had her teach me an and my daughter. Rest easy sweet Sheri. So sorry for your loss.

    Sandra Womack says:

    I met Sheri years ago in the Citizens Police Academy. Such an amazing lady. Prayers for all the family.

    Zelma Milgram Reid says:

    The Milgram family has such wonderful and precious memories with our Mrs. Baden. You are loved and will be missed.

    Matt Williams says:

    Derek
    I’ll never forget your mother–and my 1976-’77 kindergarten teacher–Mrs. Baden. I’ll never forget your dad Ray and your home on Central Drive. I’ll be there at St. Mark’s in Spirit on Tuesday, and I’ll be singing the Saints of God hymn too.

    Suellen Ener says:

    Sheri was a treasure to know ❤️. She will be missed greatly by all her DKG sisters. ❤️

    Julia Wiley says:

    I’m sorry to learn of Shari’s passing. We were classmates at French High school. May the Lord give you peace and comfort.

    Rick Smith says:

    I have very fond memories of Sheri. My condolences to every member of her family as well as those who were touched by her.

    Sharon & Johnny Passmore says:

    Very special lady. We were members in Beaumont Jr Forum many years. Our sincere condolences to her family. Love & prayers to all.
    Sharon & Johnny

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