Sharon was born July 2, 1957, to Henry and Helen Wade in Omaha, Nebraska. She was the second child born to this union and their first daughter. Sharon attended Morning Star Baptist Church during her youth and attended Lothrop Elementary School and Horace Mann Junior High and Central High School, where she graduated in 1975. She excelled in many sports and activities: track, softball, basketball, debate and choir. She decided to attend the University of Nebraska in Lincoln (UNL) to get her Bachelor of Science degree in Social Work (1982) to continue her love and passion for helping people. She spent her time helping others, making lifelong connections and traveling. One of her favorite places to travel to was Phoenix, Arizona. It wasn’t just because of the great scenery, the hot weather, or the fact that there was no humidity. Those are all great bonuses, but her favorite aunt, Louise Joseph, lived there. She always wanted to move to Phoenix but decided to stay close to her family and lifelong friends.
While attending UNL, she worked at the Lincoln Telephone Company as a switchboard operator. She worked in various roles throughout her tenure and due to her ever-present passion and desire to make a difference she eventually landed an opportunity to transition to Human Resources (HR).She spent her time in HR counseling, training and assisting employees solve work-related problems and providing tools to help them improve the quality of their work lives. During her time in HR, Lincoln Telephone Company was rebranded Aliant Communications, then was bought by Alltel then their wireless company to Verizon, where she finished out her career traveling and supporting Verizon stores all over the Midwest region.
Growing up in a Christ-centered home, Sharon talked to Jesus daily. She leaves behind a legacy of laughter, smiles, character, integrity, memories, friendships and the open road, but more importantly love for family and those she considered lifelong friends.
Sharon is preceded in death by her father, Henry Leonard Wade Sr.; mother, Helen Aretha Wade; and brother, Henry Leonard Wade Jr. She leaves to cherish and flourish in her memory, son Colby (Shanice) Gauff and granddaughter, Jordynn, of Lincoln NE; her sister, Kathy (Earl) Matthews; nephew, Leland Matthews; nieces, Helena Matthews, Katrina Matthews, Trinity Kelley, daughter of Katrina Matthews of Omaha, NE; Aunt Louise Joseph of Phoenix, AZ; sister-in-law, Edwina Wade; niece, Alycia Wade; sister, Erica Walker; nephew, Darrell Smith Jr., Drayson Smith, son of Darrell Smith Jr.; and life-long friends, the Gauff Family, and many others.
A visitation for Sharon will be held Wednesday, July 10, 2024 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home, 6800 S 14th St., Lincoln, NE 68512. A celebration of life will be 2:00 pm Thursday, July 11, 2024 at Christ Place Church, 1111 Old Cheney Rd., Lincoln, NE 68512. For more information go to www.lincolnfh.com
