Sharon Marie Jackson

Sharon was born in Raleigh on August 24, 1969. She was physically and mentally challenged from birth, but she lived an amazingly full life despite her considerable limitations. She was the youngest child to attend the UCP Child Development Center from age 2 ½. One of the many starring roles she played was poster child of the UCP Telethon. Sharon loved riding the school bus and graduated from Athens High School in 1990.

For many years, she was a faithful employee of the UCP Copymatic workshop and then later of Wake Enterprises. Sharon was a lifetime member of the Church of the Good Shepherd Episcopal Church and many were inspired by her childlike faith. Her love for horseback riding began with the Helping Horse Therapeutic Riding Program, and she participated in Special Olympics for several years. An enthusiastic summer camper, she was fortunate to attend Raleigh Parks & Recreation and Sunshine Street special needs day camps, as well as Camp Easter-in-the-Pines and HUGS Camp. She wore her Girl Scout uniform proudly and quickly became an accomplished cookie salesperson.

Her mother Peggy Hawks was tirelessly devoted to her and insisted that every opportunity be afforded Sharon which allowed her to live at home until age 24. The loving and competent care of the administrators and staff of Community Alternatives enabled her to live in the Stonegate group home for the remainder of her life. Sharon loved holidays, M&M’s, jewelry, clothes and family get-togethers.

All was right in her world when her doting nephews Steve Walker and wife Kay of Bixby, OK and Matt Walker of Carson City, NV, and then later great-niece Elizabeth and great-nephew Jackson, entered the room. The fierce dedication of big sisters Cindy Rice and Susan Jackson, both of Morrisville, NC, carried her over many a bump in the road. Her step-dad Charles Hawks was her very best bud. Too many incredibly kind and gifted people to name gave Sharon a quality of life she could never have had otherwise.

She is also survived by her father, Harvey Jackson of Apex, favorite brother-in-law, Steve Rice, special adopted sister, Jane Turecky and nephews, Nick, Tyler, and Luke, wonderful aunts, uncles, and cousins, and second family at the Stonegate group home.

The family will receive visitors from 6 to 8 pm on Thursday, February 24, at Mitchell Funeral Home, 7209 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh, NC 27612. Memorial services will be held at 11am on Friday, February 25, at The Church of the Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, 121 Hillsborough St., Raleigh, NC 27603 with a reception to follow.

The family welcomes flowers; however, donations in Sharon’s memory may be sent to the HUGS Camp Scholarship Fund, c/o The Church of the Good Shepherd, 121 Hillsborough St., Raleigh, NC 27603-1762 or to Helping Horse Therapeutic Riding Program, 12200 Shooting Club Rd., Raleigh, NC 27613.