Sherri Lynn Smith Cartee, 66, of Bay City passed away April 22, 2014. She was born March 21, 1948 to Henry Ethrin Bouldin and Doris Ellen Hilliard in McGregor, Texas. She welcomed her baby brother, Chris Bouldin, 6 years later. Being born on the first day of Spring was fitting, as her beautiful, bright, sunny personality touched everyone she met.

Early in her life she began competing in beauty pageants winning all until her next title would have been Miss Texas. She pulled out of the competition because she said, "I don't want to lose all of my friends." Her precious Granny, paternal grandmother, Edna Bouldin, made all of her beautiful formal gowns.

Although she grew up in McGregor, she spent summers in Bay City with her beloved Aunt Anne. Here she would meet her first husband and father of her children, Spencer Smith. He said, "She walked into El Maton National Hall and she was the most beautiful girl I had ever seen." They married as soon as she graduated high school. Thirteen months later she gave birth to twins Shane and Sheila. Shannon followed 17 months later.

She lived in Houston until 2000 when she returned to Bay City. She married Gary Cartee in 2001. They enjoyed sitting on their porch where they spent many hours laughing together there with their Boxers. They shared a love of gardening together. Gary was by her side until the end.

Sherri loved Boxer dogs and had many over the years. She spoiled them rotten and they gave her so much joy. Just last month she and Gary got a 17 month old brother & sister pair, Rosie & Bull.

Anyone who knew her can attest that she had a beautiful, caring, infectious spirit. She made everyone feel special, young or old. She loved all of her grandchildren so much, although there was always a missing piece after losing our sweet Logan in 2004.

Survivors include her husband Gary Cartee; brother Chris Bouldin, Sr. & wife Pam; daughter Sheila Tate & husband Terry; sons Shane Smith & wife Jennifer and Shannon Smith & wife Lisa; grandchildren Trey & Tyler Treybig, Amber & Lacy Smith, and Brooke & Dylan Smith; nephew Chris Bouldin, Jr.; niece Tatum Bouldin; and her beloved aunt Anne Glenn & husband Raymond. She was preceded in death by her parent Henry "Big Daddy" Bouldin and Doris "Memaw" Bouldin and grandson Logan Shane Smith.

Sherri will be missed and remembered by her family and Friends here on Earth, but is being so lovingly welcomed in Heaven by so many who went before her.