Cheryl Williams Bolen met her future husband (Dr. John Bolen) while taking classes at San Jacinto College. They later transferred to UH, got married, and eventually earned degrees at the University of Texas. They have two sons, both graduates of Dobie High in Pasadena ISD. Johnny, who was named District 23-4A Player of the Year, graduated in '86 and Bo in '90. Both are still bachelors, with Johnny a Galleria-area lawyer and Bo living at home. Cheryl taught English in Pearland for six years (hated it) and worked as editor of the South Belt Ellington Leader for 12 years before publishing her first novel in 1998, which earned her the title of Notable New Author.