Sheri Louise Baden

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.