Sherry Bufford

The world lost a truly remarkable woman when Sherry "Sharon" Bufford Thompson passed away on March 23, 2024, at the age of 63. Born on June 27, 1960, in Prairie View, Texas, Sharon was a true and faithful servant of God, giving her life to Christ at an early age. She was an avid Dallas Cowboys fan whose vibrant spirit touched all who knew her. Sharon graduated from Lamar Consolidated High School in Rosenberg, Texas, in 1979, where she excelled as a student-athlete, competing in track and field and dominating the basketball court. After high school, she spent a few enjoyable years in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas with her big sister Gladys before making her way to Pennsylvania to attend Lincoln University. Her beauty, both inside and out, shone brightly as a participant in the 1980 Black Miss America contest. Sharon was known for her exceptional work ethic and took immense pride in her 38-year career at Sodexo (formerly Marriott). She advanced to management positions after becoming OSHA and ServSafe certified, and her dedication earned her numerous service awards and accolades of excellence. Throughout her life, Sharon cultivated many impactful relationships. Of note, her bond with her best friend, Faye Worrell, was so strong that despite having nine sisters, Sharon embraced Faye as another sister to share adventures, laughter and champagne. After years of friendship, Sharon's life took a romantic turn when she asked Randy to dance one fateful night. Those dance moves blossomed into a beautiful, loving relationship, and on March 20, 2003, the couple married in Las Vegas, Nevada. Together, Sharon and Randy welcomed six grandchildren (and several grand-pets) into their lives, delighting in their growing family. Sharon and Randy shared a deep passion for going on cruises and vacationing. They treasured exploring new destinations, soaking in different cultures, and befriending people from around the world during their adventures. Whether cruising the open seas or discovering hidden gems on land, travel brought them immense joy and cherished memories and lifelong friends. Sharon's true passion was cooking and baking. She was the consummate hostess, preparing special dishes with love and care for each person who entered her home. Her famous Christmas cookies were an annual treat, and no major holiday was complete without Sharon's meticulously prepared meals, even if it was just for her and Randy – she knew someone would inevitably come by for a plate. Sharon faced leukemia with strength and resilience until, surrounded by her husband, older sister Gladys and stepdaughter Lena, she passed on March 23, 2024. We were immensely blessed to have Sharon with us for 63 years, but God saw fit to take her home. She was preceded in death by her mother, Mary Helen Bufford-King; father, Jesse Bufford and; stepfather, Leon King; sister, MeTessa Inez Bufford-Velazquez; and brothers, Bernard Gwinn Bufford and Ricky Bufford. Sharon leaves to cherish her memory her loving husband of 22 years, Randy Thompson, step-children Olivia Thompson Lee (Daren Lee), Lena Thompson, Randell Thompson (Cierra Thompson), grandchildren, Daren “DJ” Lee, Jr., Eric Lee, Brian Lee, Ethan Thompson, Shawn Lee, Elisse Thompson; sisters Gladys Savage (Richard Savage deceased), Jo Ann Bufford-Davis (James Davis), Mary Ann Bufford-Lehman (Grover Lehman), Barbara Bufford, Lynda Bufford, Trudy Bufford-Pierre (Stacy Pierre), Eunice Bufford, LaShaun King-Cooper (Theavis Cooper), brothers Jesse Bufford Jr. (Jeanette Bufford deceased), Calvin Bufford (LeAnn Bufford) and Calvert Bufford, along with a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, relatives and friends.

Tributes

Sherry Bufford

June 27, 1960 - March 23, 2024