Janis Ann Sharpe

Janis was preceded in death by her parents, James Alvin Quillman and Vivian Henrietta (Allen) Quillman, and by her beloved husband of 56 years, David Leamon Sharpe, who passed in 2020.

Janis was raised in Fort Smith, Arkansas, where she graduated from high school and attended college. On June 5, 1964, she married David Sharpe in Fort Smith, beginning a devoted partnership centered on faith, family, and service. In 1968, they made their home in Memphis, Tennessee, where Janis would spend the remainder of her life.

She is survived by her two daughters, Missy Williams (Pat) of Memphis and Tracie Brickeen (Donald) of Bartlett; seven grandchildren, Emily Gillespie, Ivy Williams, Molly Williams, Rebekah Houghton (Kyle), Luke Brickeen (Suzie), Rachel Brickeen, and Jonathan Brickeen; and two great-grandchildren, Noah Johnson and Stella Gillespie. She is also survived by her sister, Cindy Gamble (John) of McKinney, Texas, along with many cherished nieces and nephews.

Janis devoted much of her life to serving others through her church and her work with children. She spent many years as a church organist, Sunday School teacher, and children’s choir director, sharing her love of music and faith. During the 1970s, she served as a kindergarten and music teacher at Colonial Hills Baptist Church in Southaven, Mississippi. She later worked part-time as a secretary, including several years with RGIS Inventory Specialists. Janis was deeply involved in Ellendale Baptist Church in Bartlett, where her faith and service remained central to her life.

Above all, Janis was a happy homemaker who loved her home and took great joy in working in her yard. She was a wonderful cook—especially known for making the very best pies. She enjoyed watching Memphis Tigers basketball and treasured time spent with family and friends.

Janis and David loved traveling together and especially cherished trips to Lake Ouachita and Panama City Beach, making lasting memories with their children and grandchildren. Janis was a fabulous and loving grandmother, faithfully attending holiday celebrations, school programs, church events, and sporting activities to support her grandchildren in everything they did.

Janis will be remembered for her gentle spirit, her servant’s heart, her deep love for family, and her unwavering faith. She leaves a legacy of love that will continue through the many lives she touched.