Marilyn Kay Riling Sharp

Marilyn Kay (Riling) Sharp, 76, of Houston, TX passed away Sunday, April 16, 2017. She was born in Detroit, Michigan on June 28, 1940 to William Wallace Riling of Altoona, PA and Svea Thorelius Riling of Sweden. She was married to Harold David Sharp of Normangee, TX on January 10, 1959. She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and her beloved daughter Donna Briggs. She is survived by her son David Sharp and wife Jeanette, her daughter Dianne Pederson and husband Rick, her 10 grandchildren, and 4 great grandchildren. Marilyn was a lifetime learner; she graduated from Reagan HS in 1958. She went on to become a homemaker for her family and later became a legal secretary. She went on to be a teacher’s assistant, and then a librarian at St. Matthews United Methodist Church in Houston where she worked for 18 years. During this time she earned her undergraduate degree in Christian leadership from College of Biblical Studies where she graduated in 2005. She then went on to earn her Masters in Christian Education in 2008 from Dallas Theological Seminary where she graduated with honors. She retired on February 27, 2013 at the age of 72. During her time on earth, Marilyn was involved in many ministries, and outreach programs. She was a member of the Emmaus, Chrysalis and Kairos communities, and an active member of Al-Anon. She was a teacher, a wonderful friend, cherished mother and grandmother, and most importantly a follower of Jesus, with whom she is finally at peace. Visitation will be held on Saturday April 22, 2017 4-7PM at Pat H. Foley 1200 W 34th St, Houston, TX 77018, services will be held Sunday April 23, 2017 at 2PM at First United Methodist Church, 1320 Main St.