Sharon was born in St. Louis Missouri on January 28, 1955, to Geraldine Harris and Meddy Woods. She was raised by a village of strong, brilliant women and “Uncle Bud” – all of whom played a different, yet equally influential role in her development.
Sharon was baptized at nine years of age and remained committed to her faith throughout her life. When she was no longer able to attend in person, she became a dedicated viewer of streamed or televised church services.
Sharon’s prowess for learning was evident at a very early age and it was nurtured by her grandmother, Mary B. Williams. At the age of three Sharon spelled her first word and began learning to read. As she grew older, her love for learning continued. After graduating from John F. Kennedy High School in Mound Bayou, Mississippi, Sharon continued her formal education ultimately receiving both a Bachelor of Science Degree and a Doctoral Degree in Education.
Sharon served ten years in the U.S. Army as a logistics specialist and attained the rank of Staff Sargent. She was stationed in several locations including Oklahoma, South Korea, and Germany. She was patriotic and very passionate about her service to the Nation. While in the Army, Sharon met and married John Atkins, a fellow service member.
Always an advocate for education, upon completely her military career Sharon started a second career as an educator. During her tenure which ended in 2013, she taught all grade-levels and multiple disciplines within the Texas and Memphis school systems.
Sharon was preceded in death by her husband John, her father, and numerous descendants of Mack and Dora Williams, including her grandmother Mary B. Williams, brothers R’Cell and Anthony, niece Erica, and nephews R’Cell, Jr. and Nakia.
She leaves to cherish her memories her mother Geraldine McRay of Memphis; siblings Syhrette Segree of Memphis, Gina Noel of Maryland, Eric Jones of Colorado, Lewis Perry of Washington State; Aunts Dr. Anita O. Ball of Georgia, Augusta Grimm of Oregon and Christine Jones of California; Nieces LaShanda Jones of Maryland, Venzuay Stewart (Kenny), Evette Vinnett (Chris) and Gina Jones (Chris) all of Memphis, and Sara and Sierra Zucker of Colorado; Nephews Tony Harris of Indiana, Andrew Harris of California, Andre Spearman of Texas, Spencer Jones of Colorado, and Malcolm Harris of Maryland. Also left to mourn her absence and celebrate her life are a host of great-nieces, great-nephews and many other relatives and friends.
A visitation for Sharon will be held Saturday, July 29, 2023 from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Family Funeral Care, 4925 Summer Ave, Memphis, TN 38122. A celebration of life service will occur Saturday, July 29, 2023 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM, with food and fellowship to follow from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM, also at 4925 Summer Ave, Memphis, TN 38122.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.FamilyFuneralMemphis.com for Sharon's family.
The Broken Chain
We didn’t know the day that God was going to call your name. In life we loved you dearly, In death we do the same.
It broke our hearts to lose you but you didn’t go alone. For part of us went with you the day God called you home.
You left us peaceful memories. Your love is still our guide, and though we cannot see you you are always at our side.
Our family chain is broken and nothing seems the same, but as God calls us one by one the chain will link again.
-Ron Tranmer
