Elaine Sharples Vann

Elaine Sharples Vann, departed this life on Friday, September 30, 2011 in Wilmington, Delaware. She was born in New York, New York on February 26, 1925, to Pauline Fasano Sharples and James W. Sharples. Elaine grew up in the Dorcester section of Boston, Massachusetts, then lived in Hampton, Virginia for 50 years after her marriage to William Aubrey Vann, Jr. Most recently, Elaine resided at Foulk Manor South in Wilmington, Delaware.

Elaine was a volunteer with the American Red Cross and at the Masonic Home of Delaware but was primarily a homemaker, mother, and grandmother during her lifetime. With her beloved husband she enjoyed gardening at their home in Hampton. A lifelong lover of music and dancing, Elaine entertained her fellow Foulk Manor South residents with her dance steps and sing-alongs with featured entertainers at the home.

She is predeceased by her parents, her husband, and her brothers, James A., and John A. Sharples, and former daughters-in-law, Nancy Rayfield Vann, and Francine Carol Vann.

She is survived by her son, William Aubrey Vann III and his wife, Barbara P. Vann; grandson, W. Scott Vann (Janelle); granddaughter, Lauren N. Vann (Eric); step-grandson, Scott L. Wasserman; great grandchildren, Ella and Joshua Bricker, Owen Vann, and Aiden Wasserman, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

A special thank you to Rose Jenkins, Elaine’s companion/caregiver with whom she shared her final days.

A private burial in the mausoleum at Parklawn Memorial Park in Hampton, Virginia is planned. A memorial and Celebration of Life service will be held at Foulk Manor South, 407 Foulk Road, Wilmington, Delaware on Saturday, November 5, 2011 at 2:00 p.m.

An additional memorial service is planned in Hampton in the Parklawn Memorial Park Mausoleum Chapel on Saturday, November 19, 2011 at 4:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers the family requests contributions in Elaine’s memory be made to Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, 322 Eighth Avenue, Seventh Floor, New York, New York 10001, or to Highfield Masonic Home of Delaware, 4800 Lancaster Pike, Wilmington, Delaware 19807.

Friends are encouraged to visit www.parklawn-woodfh.com to share memories and words of condolence with the family.

Arrangements are under the direction of Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home, 2551 N Armistead Ave., Hampton, VA 23666