Janet Bliss Sharp

Janet B. Sharp was born in Salinas and died at home in Samaritan Village, Hughson attended by her family. She was a retired teacher and had a life-long love of the arts with special interest in drawing, painting, music and writing.

Janet grew up in Berkeley, attending Berkeley elementary and junior high schools and the Bentley School for Girls for high school. She went on to achieve a BA in Education at Fresno State College where she was a leader in Panhellenic activities and a member of the "Charm Chorus," a women's vocal group which frequently entertained the troops during World War II.

After graduation Janet went on to earn an MA in Art Education at University of Iowa, where she met her husband of 66 years, William Elmo "Bill" sharp, Jr. They met in 1947, as members of the Congregational Church college youth group and both also sang in the church choir.

Janet taught school for 33 years in every grade level from kindergarten through twelfth grade. In addition to classroom work she conducted elementary school choruses at several schools. She taught art, crafts, English, and math at the junior high and high school level. While teaching at La Loma Junior High in Modesto she served as the school's yearbook advisor; her students' efforts earned several national awards. For many years Janet was a member and officer in various local and district level professional educational organizations.

In retirement Janet pursued her interest in family genealogy. She and her husband, Bill, researched, wrote and published a book, Generations, covering their family histories. A member of the US Coast Guard Auxiliary with a special interest in promoting the CG Academy. Janet also had a great interest in and enjoyment of writing, belonging at various times to three different writer's groups. She developed a serious interest in fiction writing late in life, self-publishing a novel.

Janet is survived by her husband, Bill, of Hughson; son Edward Sharp (Rebecca) of Santa Maria; daughter Corena Sharp (Lawrence Green) of Grover Beach, daughter Jacquelyn Bucker (Jack} of Tulare, daughter Deborah Taylor (Frank) of Bakersfield, nine grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at Samaritan Village in Hughson, on Friday, November 6 at 2:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the American Cancer Society or the charity of your choice .