A lifelong resident of Austin, Cherry Stayton Wilson died peacefully in her sleep on Wednesday, June 20, 2012.

Cherry was born on May 29, 1944, the daughter of attorney John "Jack" Stayton, Sr., and Gene Cherry Stayton. She is survived by her brother, John Stayton, Jr., and his wife, Susan Dean Stayton; her two nieces, Catherine Dean Stayton of New York City and Jennifer Pierce Stayton of Austin; her three best friends since childhood, Louisa Mahone Donoghue, Susan Page Driver, and Lucy Ross; and her former husband, Harvey Wilson.

One of her happiest moments occurred when Louisa and Susan petitioned the mayor of Montreal and arranged for 14-year-old Cherry to have a surprise audience with her idol, Princess Margaret Rose of the House of Windsor, during a royal visit to Québec. The petition was signed by 26 of Cherry's young friends. Granted a ringside seat to a special event for Montreal's youth, Cherry was among the few visitors formally presented to the Princess. The Stayton family made the 4000-mile round-trip journey, a fact that gained local news attention. A photograph of Cherry conversing with the Princess appeared in the Montreal Gazette beside the headline "Royal Chat Thrill for Texas Girl."

Other travels that brought joy to Cherry included the frequent girls' trips she made with her mother, joined by Lucy and her mother Ellen Steck Ross.

Having attended Wellesley College and the University of Texas, where she was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta, Cherry spent her life as a compassionate intellectual engaged in learning and committed to benevolent causes. She was devoted to and beloved by her family and her circle of friends, especially the members of the Mary Lee community. A tender and gentle soul, Cherry had a deep affection for cats. She was a champion of many efforts on behalf of homeless animals.

Those who wish to honor Cherry's memory may make a donation to The Austin Humane Society or to the Mary Lee Foundation.

A private memorial celebrating Cherry's life will be held at a later date.