Sharon Elaine Elliott

Sharon Elaine Elliott, age 74, of Fresno, California, entered into rest on Sunday, April 6, 2025. Born in Pensacola, Florida, Sharon touched the lives of everyone she met with her kindness, wisdom, and unwavering love for her family.

Sharon was raised to be very independent and is well known for her nurturing spirit and remarkable ability to offer the right advice. Her deep love for children was evident in her work as a preschool teacher, and in the many lives she touched through early childhood education. She truly believed that "it takes a village to raise a child," though little did she know she was an integral part of everyone's village.

Her devotion to her children and grandchildren was immeasurable. Sharon was also a wonderful mother-in-law to David and Silvina. Her favorite moments were those spent with family, especially around the holidays. Christmas was her favorite time of year, filled with the joy of decorating the tree and having family gathered around her. Easter came as a close second when her home was full of love and laughter.

Sharon was passionate about her career and enjoyed children's books like Dr. Seuss, Pete the Cat, and one of her favorite books, The Little Mouse, the Red Ripe Strawberry, and the Big Hungry Bear. She dedicated her life to teaching preschoolers with EoC Headstart and passed on her wisdom to many teachers and educators. She also mentored several students through the Fresno State and Fresno City College mentoring programs, ending each year with a special ceremony, usually in the theme of one of her favorite books. Her love of education and dedication to helping others made her an unforgettable presence in the lives of those she worked with and even those she mentored.

She loved the simple pleasures of life. Her favorite food was hamburgers, and her favorite drink was sweet tea. She would add ketchup to almost everything. She was the chef at family gatherings, staying up all night preparing the meals to ensure her family was well-fed and cared for. She was the ultimate hostess, always putting others before herself to ensure everyone felt loved and welcomed.

Sharon was her children's and grandchildren's biggest cheerleader, offering unconditional love and support, even when her opinions differed. She was always honest, telling it like it was while still being supportive, loving, and ever-present in the lives of those she held dear.

Sharon's legacy will live on through the lives of the many people she touched. She will be remembered for her incredible warmth, her unshakable love for family, and her devotion to making the world a better place. One of Sharon's favorite quotes is, "Do not cry because it is over. Smile because it happened."

Sharon is survived by her daughter, Jessica Allred (David); her son, Donovan Elliott (Silvina); her brother-in-law, Gene Elliott; and her grandchildren, Raven Masiers, Pledger Masiers III, and Jakob Allred. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will cherish her memory.

Sharon was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Gary Leo Elliott, her parents, four sisters, and one brother.