Ann Sharpe Mason

Adored wife of Emory Eugene "Gene" Mason for 65 years; Loving mother of Kelly (Mark) Bukolt and Liza Loeber; Cherished Grandmother of Craig, Tara and Amy Loeber, Taylor (Brittany) and Kenzie Bukolt; great-grandmother of Zoey and Hayden Bukolt

Ann was reared in Checotah, Oklahoma, by her devoted parents, Carolyn McCluskey Sharpe (Daw) and Louis Kerre Sharpe, lll (Bummy). After attending boarding school at Hockaday in Dallas, Texas, she graduated from Randolph Macon Woman’s College (now Randolph College) in Lynchburg, Virginia, head of Student Government, Pi Beta Phi and Phi Beta Kappa. Having had more than a full schedule at Randolph Macon, Ann moved to Dallas to take several courses at Southern Methodist University that she had not had time to take in college. Here she met Gene, who became the love of her life, and they were married after his graduation from law school.

Pursuing Gene’s budding law career, Ann and Gene began their married life in Abilene, Texas, then back to Dallas where Gene was a Graduate Tax Fellow at SMU Law School for a year pursuing graduate studies in federal taxation and international law. Gene then joined a firm in Washington, D.C., where their first daughter, Kelly, was born. Not long thereafter, Gene joined a Philadelphia, PA, law firm and they moved to the suburbs of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where their second daughter, Liza, was born. That would be their home for the next twenty years. In 1981 they returned to Texas, where Gene remains still.

Ann lived her life in love and service for others. She had a gift of making each person she met feel warm, welcomed and important. An incredible chef and consummate hostess, rarely seen without an apron, a smile and a glass of wine, her recipes are legendary and her amazing meals will be missed by all, but none more than Gene. She was the epitome of grace. Though strong and independent, Ann was a gentle and loving soul who was greatly loved and admired by all who knew her. Nobody she ever met could do other than smile at the mention of her name because, at one time or another, she brought humor or joy or comfort into their lives. Her sparkling eyes highlighted the light of her soul that she eagerly shared with all. Ann knew no strangers.

Upon news of her passing, friends and family have shared impressions of and memories that include descriptions such as: my inspiration, my most dear heart, her calm dignity, genuine care and love for the least of us, the dictionary example of ANGEL, elegant, a CLASS ACT and a bright star in our universe. Although she no longer fills space on this earth, her spirit lives on in the lives and love of all those she touched.

As a mother, Ann was ever supportive, seldom intrusive. She encouraged her daughters to think critically, to be alert and responsive to the needs of others and to love always. She was always pure in her intentions and true in her actions. We’ll forever remember her strength and purity, her generous, unconditional devotion and indomitable spirit. She was our hero…

As a wife, much like as a mother,she was ever supportive! From the racetrack to the marina and travels abroad, she followed wherever Gene led; always with grace and a smile on her face. While she might not have always agreed with decisions made, her support never wavered. When asked what it took to remain married for 65 years, both were quick to answer - compromise and daily tell one another you love them. Theirs was a true love story on so many levels - one many aspire to emulate.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Ann’s honor at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, January 15, 2022, at The Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration, 14115 Hillcrest Road, Dallas, Texas. Memorials to honor Ann are encouraged to The Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration and Randolph College.