Sharon Jeanette Easley

Sharon Jeanette Easley passed away peacefully at Village Shalom in Overland Park, Kansas, on August 24th, 2024, at 4:24 am, surrounded by her children. Sharon was born December 16th, 1944, in Kansas City, Missouri, to William and Genevieve Latham. Both her parents, her sister, Judith “Judy” Egner, and her husband of 56 years, John Earl Easley, preceded her in death. Sharon is survived by her sisters, Carolyn Londerholm and Linda Elgin, and her brother, Dale Latham, and by her four children, William Easley, Kimberly Mulkey, Christine Caudle, and Bradley Easley, along with 13 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Those are the formalities.

Sharon Easley’s life renders words insufficient to describe her experiences and the impact she had on others. People who casually crossed paths with Sharon considered her tenacious, opinionated, stubborn, and direct, mainly from her use of a distinct and energetic vernacular. However, those who loved her most, along with those who knew and respected her best, well they also found her tenacious, opinionated, stubborn, and direct, but in a loving and mostly well-meaning way. Sharon was a determined woman who was unafraid to hold her ground despite adversity. She was a great defender of her husband, her family, and her friends if they were unfairly treated or endangered. She was a relentless opponent if wronged. Pity those poor souls who underestimated her. You know who you are.

Was Sharon’s moxie natural or developed through hardship? No one knows for certain, but one theory has it that after marrying John Easley in 1963, post-graduation from Westport High School, a now pregnant Sharon followed her husband to Kodiak, Alaska, where John was serving in the U.S. Navy, and discovered her moxie on Good Friday, March 27th, 1964. The strongest earthquake in North American history hit the tiny Alaskan island, lasting over four and a half minutes. John was on naval duty so Sharon, fending alone for her infant son and herself, searched for help in the aftermath of the quake and the subsequent tsunami. The experience changed her life. Sharon did what was necessary that day and all the following days, showing courage and grit.

Upon her return to Kansas City, after John’s naval career was over, Sharon made a home for her family, while juggling college courses, raising her children, and supporting John as he looked for work. Realizing that additional financial support was needed, Sharon pursued her own employment, excelling in various sales roles. A few years later, Sharon and John decided they would no longer work for others, and together, they started their careers as serial entrepreneurs. From owning and operating a truck line, a presort bureau, a home security company, a highly successful retail floral shop, Silks & Bloom, an automobile detailing company, becoming an independent real estate agent, and finally ending her career operating an office cleaning service, Sharon was the driving force behind each endeavor while also doing an amazing job of being a wife, a daughter, a mother, and eventually a grandmother.

In their free time, Sharon and John renovated two historic Hyde Park homes in Kansas City. Additionally, Sharon doggedly researched and recorded hers and John’s genealogy, a magnificent legacy she leaves behind for following generations. Sharon enjoyed rigorous discussions about politics, public policy, and current cultural trends. She loved her children and grandchildren abundantly, took great pride in their achievements, and was outspoken about it. Sharon was an extraordinary caregiver to John during his illness and battled her own illness with optimism and fortitude. Sharon was extremely grateful for her children’s care as she bravely fought her disease. Once Sharon acknowledged that medical treatments were ineffective, she accepted certainty with dignity and grace.

The world is a lesser place without Sharon. She is loved, cherished and unforgettable. We will miss her greatly. May God lovingly embrace Sharon Easley. He will have his hands full.