Sharlene Burns Blomquist

Sharlene Burns Blomquist, 87, passed away at home on Wednesday, October 18, 2023. She is survived by her husband of 64 years, Carl Wheeless Blomquist, Jr., son John Eric Blomquist and wife, Julie Hunter Wallace, of Brandon, daughters Julie Blomquist of Sarasota and Susie Burns Blomquist of Brandon, daughter-in-law Lori Felker Blomquist of Gibsonton, and beloved grandson John Eric Blomquist, Jr. Sharlene was predeceased by her parents, Emil Sweet and Thelma Eddy Burns, brothers Robert Sydney Burns and Dr. Emil Eddy Burns, and son Carl Wheeless Blomquist, III.

Sharlene was born above her parents’ general store in Pushmataha, AL in 1936. She graduated from Decatur High School and then from Emory University in 1958 with a degree in English. Carl and Sharlene married in 1959 and made homes in Louisiana, Alabama, and Florida, eventually settling in Brandon. Sharlene was a woman of many talents and interests. She was a writer, photographer, political activist, artist, owner of Cedar Tree Farm, outstanding Southern cook, fence builder, farmer’s companion, and matriarch of the family. She was also an accomplished hunter, accompanying her husband and sons on deer, quail, dove, and squirrel hunts. She was happy, funny, generous, and selfless, always putting her family before herself. Sharlene was devoted to her children and loved so much by them.

There will be a graveside service at Rehobeth Baptist Cemetery in Pushmataha, AL on Monday, October 30th, at 11:00 a.m., followed by a gathering at the family homestead in Pushmataha.

The family is grateful for the loving care and support provided by Home Instead caregivers Alyn, Rosemarie, Rosa, Fede, Shirley, and Mary.

In lieu of flowers or charitable donations, the family asks that, in Meemaw’s memory, you make regular visits to someone you know who suffers from dementia.