Mary Jo Sharp

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Mary Jo Sharp, a loving wife, mother and grandmother, who always put her family first. Mary Jo’s courageous battle with cancer came to an end on October 30, 2025. She was 85 years old.

Mary Jo was born February 28, 1940 in Montgomery AL where she was raised before moving to Tennessee. It was here that she met John C. Sharp. She was married to the love of her life in June 1959 and shared two precious children.

Mary Jo spent many years as a hostess at Cracker Barrel, where her warm and caring personality touched the lives of countless guests and colleagues. Her gift for making others feel welcome extended beyond the restaurant and into her own yard, where she spent numerous hours tending to her beloved garden. Just like her plants, her kindness and love flourished wherever life placed her. Her yard became a friendly haven for conversation and often drew the attention of passersby captivated by its beauty and warmth.

Mary Jo’s nurturing spirit, unwavering support, and boundless love will forever live on in the hearts of her family, daughter Jan (Paul) Ruud, grandchildren, Jacob (Ricki Lynn) Ruud, Jacy Ruud, Sister, Ann (Bud) Frazier, and many nieces and nephews.

Mary Jo was preceded in death by her parents Joe and Dot Mcbryar, her loving husband for 61 years John C. Sharp and her son Jeff Sharp.

The family will receive friends from 11am to 1pm Wednesday November 5th at the East Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, 404 South Moore Rd, East Ridge TN, followed by a funeral service at 1pm in the funeral home chapel with Pastor Christopher Sheets officiating, assisted by Jeff Rahn. Burial will be in Lakewood Memory Gardens, West.

To honor the Sharp family’s enduring love and support for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, memorial contributions may be made to this cherished cause.

Please share your thoughts and memories at www.Chattanoogaeastchapel.com.