Sharon Mitchell Wooten

Born on May 25, 1940, in Cherokee County, Oklahoma, to Lena Clifton Mitchell and Wyatt Barrett Mitchell, Sr., Sharon was the fifth of eight children. She grew up in High Point, Alabama, on Sand Mountain. Sharon was the proud mother of five children: Grayson, Spencer, Shawn, Bart, and Leslie. She lived a life defined by kindness, compassion, and unwavering strength. A three-time cancer survivor, Sharon demonstrated remarkable resilience throughout her life. She is perhaps best known for her enduring love story with her husband, Charles, whom she married on August 4, 1970. Together, they attended the University of Alabama, where they earned their bachelor's, master's, specialist's, and doctorates in education. Their years in Tuscaloosa made them lifelong Crimson Tide fans, always cheering for the University of Alabama. Sharon and Charles shared an inseparable bond for 53 years, rarely leaving each other's side. Together, they traveled the world, visiting countries like Israel, China, Russia, Great Britain, Sweden, and their favorite, France.

Sharon was a dedicated teacher and professor who devoted herself to disabled students, sharing her knowledge and compassion with those who needed it most. She won numerous national and international awards for her program design for a center dedicated to teaching college-level students with learning disabilities, such as dyslexia. During her 25-year tenure at Florida A&M University, she developed a program that became a model for satellite programs in other countries, showcasing her innovative approach and dedication to education. Whether a student faced physical or emotional challenges or simply had a different learning style, she was committed to helping them thrive. Many of her former students have expressed that they would never have graduated without her unwavering support and intervention. Her warmth and wisdom left a lasting impression on everyone who knew her.

Sharon loved to cook, especially her family favorites like chocolate turnovers, biscuits, and gravy, which she delighted in sharing with others. She often baked cakes and cookies for friends and students, bringing warmth to those around her. Sharon found joy in making every situation into a celebration—good times were made even better with a party, and difficult times were softened by her efforts to bring comfort and cheer. Family picnics were a cherished tradition, often featuring her famous fried chicken, creating moments that brought everyone together and will be remembered fondly. Sharon also had a flair for dressing up, often wearing distinctive, one-of-a-kind jewelry collected from around the world. She loved making a statement and took great pride in looking her best, adding a special sparkle to every occasion.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Lesley Wooten, her daughter, Shawn Spigner, and two infant sons. Sharon is survived by her three sons: Grayson Hall (wife Susan, grandchildren Laura, John, and Anna Kathryn), Spencer Hall (wife Tracy, grandchildren Casey, Hunter, and Harli), and Barton Hall (wife Beverly, grandchildren Gracen, Jackson, and Kathryn). She is also survived by her daughter Leslie (husband Tim, granddaughter Lesley-Anne) and Sharon's grandchildren from Shawn: Shā, Lauren, Caroline, Strom, and Ashley. Additionally, she is survived by 13 great-grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews. Sharon was also preceded in death by her siblings WB Mitchell, Jr., Kathryn Patton, Harold Mitchell, and Rosemary Mitchell. She is survived by her siblings Mona Johnian, Curtis Mitchell, Beverly Dendy, and Olivia Mitchell. Her memory will forever live on in the countless lives she touched with her kindness and love.

The viewing will be held at Culley's MeadowWood Funeral Home, 1737 Riggins Road, Tallahassee, Florida, 32308, on Wednesday, Nov. 6, from 4-6 p.m. A graveside service will be held at Alabama National Cemetery, 3133 Highway 119, Montevallo, AL, 35115, on Friday, Nov. 8, at 11 a.m. (Central Time). In place of flowers, the family requests donations to the American Bible Society to continue her legacy of giving, spreading God's love, and reading. www.americanbible.org

We will always remember Sharon for her laughter, strength, boundless love, and dedication to education. She will be deeply missed, but her spirit will forever be with us