Sherry Hale, of McKinney, Texas, passed away peacefully on August 20, 2026, at the age of 88. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, sister, teacher, and friend whose joyful spirit and warmth touched everyone fortunate enough to know her.
Sherry was born on January 30, 1938, in Cordell, Oklahoma, to Alfred and Hazel Maddox. She graduated from Cordell High School and went on to attend Oklahoma City University, where she earned a degree in Early Childhood Education. Her love for children led her to a fulfilling career as a kindergarten teacher, a profession she devoted herself to for 40 years. This led to her being named Cordell Teacher of the Year, as well as Oklahoma State Teacher of the Year. Generations of children were fortunate to begin their educational journeys under her care, patience, and guidance.
On August 15, 1958, Sherry married the love of her life, David R. Hale. Together they built a beautiful life and shared nearly 60 years of marriage before his passing in 2018. Their years together were filled with family, friendship, and countless memories that remained precious to Sherry throughout her life.
Sherry is survived by her daughters, Jacquelyn Glenn (Don) of Raymore, Missouri, and Tiffany Tinkler (John); her beloved grandsons, Eric David Tinkler and Benjamin Maddox Tinkler; and her sister, Kay Buie (Ed). She was preceded in death by her parents, Alfred and Hazel Maddox, and her sister, Vicki Nickel (Robert).
Sherry was a member of Stonebriar Community Church in Frisco, where she especially enjoyed attending her Thursday Bible study group. Her faith and the friendships she made there were an important part of her life.
She found the greatest happiness in simple pleasures: sharing a meal with friends, visiting with her wonderful neighbors, and, most of all, spending time with her family, and, especially, her grandchildren. Her family was her greatest joy, and she treasured every moment with them.
Sherry had a gift for making people feel welcome and loved. She was a joyful person to be around, with warmth and light that made an impression wherever she went. Her kindness, laughter, friendship, and genuine love for others will be deeply missed.
Though she is no longer with us, Sherry's legacy lives on through her family, her friends, the many children whose lives she influenced, and all those whose paths she crossed.
She will be remembered not only for the years she lived, but for the joy she brought to those years and to everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.
A Celebration of life will be held on Saturday, August 29, 2026, from 1:00pm to 3:30pm at Spring Creek BBQ located at 1993 N. Central Expressway, McKinney, Texas 75070.