Cheryl K. Whittington

Cheryl K. Whittington, of San Angelo, peacefully made her transition to Angel status early on the morning of January 14, 2020, in her home, surrounded with all the comfort and love of her family and dogs. She was born to Joe L. and Jeanette Carroll on February 21st, 1956 in Lubbock, Tx. She spent most of her childhood in New Mexico. Her family also lived in Tulsa, and Arkansas, where she graduated high school. Though she had moved away, her heart was always in New Mexico. She spent most of her time in Roswell, Artesia, and Ruidoso, with her grandparents at the family cabin and on the ranch. She adored her two brothers, Michael Joe Carroll and Keith Allen Carroll, and many cousins that she loved and shared precious childhood memories with. In her youth, she was an avid gymnast. And later attended Tyler Junior College with a theatre art major, a passion I’m happy she passed down to me. She selflessly gave up having a career to raise me with my father and they made sure my life was everything I dreamed it could be. Our home was constantly filled with music and an overabundance of love. She loved the mountains, and she was happiest when she was in the quiet of any small mountain town in New Mexico or Colorado; exploring, laughing, and making lifelong family memories. Cheryl will forever be remembered by her daughter and best friend, Juli Whittington; Cherished Son In Law to-be that she kept on a pedestal, Richie Sanchez, Her beloved Mother Jeanette Carroll of Amarillo, and brothers Mike Carroll (Jamie) of Amarillo, and Keith Carroll of Arlington. She had several nieces, nephews, and cousins she thought hung the moon. She also has special lifelong best friends who’s hearts she will live in forever; Kenda Leah Grimm of Dexter, NM, Mary Cooper of Michigan, Teresa Sanchez of San Angelo, and her honorary children Lindsey Larimore Nelson of Austin and Jonathan Mercer of Dallas. She was preceded in death by her father Joe L. Carroll, her very special aunt Dr. Lela Hickox Eglin, and two sets of grandparents whom she loved dearly and helped to make her the wonderful person she was. To tell her story is impossible without telling my own, and vice versa. I was given the most precious gift a decade ago. Being her daughter was great enough, but I also got to be her caregiver. When her MS started to worsen over time, together we battled every new change, big and small. Anyone who knew her well will genuinely attest to her unwavering smile, laugh, wit, and never, ever a complaint. She changed my life and taught me more about empathy and true love than I know what to do with, and it is the proudest part of my life to always be her daughter. I will miss her in an immeasurable capacity. She had a way about her that, with just a look, offered unconditional support. She was everyone’s biggest cheerleader. Very special thanks to Dr. Carolina Ojeda-Flores, Kara Hilmes, Dr. Peter Chang, Amy Watkins, Ashley Draper, Deanna Howard, Jessica Fulk, and Juanita Morales; all whom cultivated amazing relationships with her and went above and beyond their job descriptions. Also to Drs. Jack and Brent Lewright, for so graciously gifting me time to spend her last days and weeks loving her every possible minute I could. She adored you all so very much. Also special thanks to St. Gabriel Hospice for your love, support, and care. We thank you all for everything. A gathering of love to honor her will be held on Saturday, January 25th, 2020 at Harper Funeral Home In San Angelo, at 10:00am. In lieu of flowers, please consider taking flowers to a loved one or a stranger in a nursing home. Spread her giving spirit of selfless, magical smiles.