Roll Call Tribute

Sherri Rose (Gallagher) MacWillie 

November 1, 1960 - February 26, 2024 

Sherri would like to let you know her work here is done. On February 26, 2024, she received a call-- the sort of offer you can’t refuse-- for a position to which she will not be returning. Her appointment came with a huge sign-on bonus: no more cancer, a reunion with family, friends, and pets she has not seen in a long time. Job security is exactly 110%. Her new pursuit takes her to a wonderful place where she will be socializing, gardening, baking, sewing, and spreading perfectly perfect happiness over all of us. Laughter and love are guaranteed. Food is delicious and she will never gain an ounce. She left detailed instructions to celebrate her mission here, which is now completed.

We want to let her know she did a great job and wish her a safe journey. We will remember her smile, her warmth, her energy, her love for life, family, and friends, but also students, her love for colleagues, and the Army Family. She worked very hard all her life to make this world a better place for everyone. She made a difference in the lives of so many. We invite you to join us and celebrate together.

Sherri was born in Rantoul, Illinois on 1 November 1960 to John P. Gallagher (Big Jack) and Joanne (JoJo) Gallagher. She was one of four daughters and along with Kelly, Kathleen, and Laurie Sue, they became the fearsome foursome much to Jack’s enjoyment. Sherri spent her formative years in Central Texas, graduated from Killeen High School in 1978, and attended Baylor University and Texas A&M University. She met her forever love, Skip, while in high school and they married in 1985. Together, they travelled the world as an Army Team, growing their family with the addition of Kyle and Melyssa-Anne. Sherri loved her time with the military and developed an unmatched passion focused on supporting the families of our great Soldiers. She was a force of good in all she did. Her dedication was recognized and remembered over and over by Soldiers and their Families, from Private to General.

She attained her master’s degree in education from Texas A&M University. After she and Skip departed the Army in 2013, they settled in College Station where she began her “civilian” career working at the Center for Teaching Excellence at Texas A&M University. She subsequently transferred to the Institute for Advancing Health Through Agriculture at Texas A&M University System. She brought a unique perspective and unending enthusiasm to her new endeavors. And of course, she expanded her circle of friends.

She was preceded in death by her younger sister, Laurie Sue; her father, Jack; and aunt, Patsy.

Sherri is survived by her husband, Brigadier General (Retired) Don (Skip) MacWillie; her children, Major Kyle MacWillie (Riley Kraft) and Melyssa-Anne (Robbie Stricklin); and her partner in all things fun, granddaughter Isla; two sisters, Kelly (Joey Adams) and Kathleen Gallagher; and her mother, JoJo.

A Celebration will take place in late March. In lieu of flowers, Sherri asked that you would do an unexpected and unsolicited act of kindness to bring happiness to someone who needs a lift.