Sharron Landers

Sharron was born in Birmingham, Alabama to Vera Elma Downs of Meridian, Mississippi and Dean Gaines Downs of Birmingham, Alabama. Shortly thereafter, her family moved to Orlando, Florida where she lived until 1966 when she graduated from Boone High School. Sharron attended Agnes Scott College where, during the fall of her freshman year, she met Fred who would later become her husband of 56 years. Sharron graduated from Agnes Scott with a degree in mathematics in May of 1970 and married Fred later that summer on August 1st.

As a newlywed, Sharron took a job teaching math at Decatur High School while Fred finished his degree and completed his service to the Army. She retired from teaching after three years when her first born child, Frederick “Ricky” Landers, Jr., was born in 1973. As a young housewife and new mother, she taught piano in her home until 1976 when her daughter, Vera LeeAnn Landers, was born. Her most favorite and cherished times were those spent caring for and raising her children. Everything she did was for her family.

Aside from her family, Sharron was a woman of many interests, hobbies and talents. She enjoyed reading, playing games, tennis, bridge, needlepoint, sailing and traveling just to name a few. Holidays were always special as she decorated and cooked for her family and friends. A consummate entertainer, she was always at the ready to make someone’s birthday or anniversary special. She was a member of Decatur Cotillion Club, Alyssum Garden Club, Peachtree Racquet Club and Sandy Springs Society.

Sharron loved traveling alongside her husband, meticulously planning every detail to make each trip special. Later, when her four grandchildren were born, she delighted in spending her time with them. Whether at the beach, the mountains, or simply at home, she was happiest anywhere they were together and loved spoiling them. To them, she was simply “Mimi” and they loved her dearly.

She is survived by her husband, Frederick Poole Landers, Sr. (Fred); son Frederick Poole Landers, Jr. (Rick) and his wife Janell; daughter Vera LeeAnn Landers Smith and her husband Parker; four grandchildren, Kaitlyn Frances Landers, Christian Downs Landers, Mary Poole Landers Smith and Perritt Rollins Smith. She also leaves two sisters, Deborah Downs Hinkle and Deana Downs Pickett, and many nieces and nephews and cousins.

Funeral arrangements are by H.M. Patterson & Son-Oglethorpe Hill in Brookhaven. Visitation will be Saturday, November 14th from 6-8pm at Patterson-Oglethorpe Hill, 4550 Peachtree Road, Atlanta, GA 30319.

Sharron’s memorial service will be Sunday, November 15th at 2pm at Northside Church, 2799 Northside Drive, Atlanta, GA 30305. Following the service there will be a graveside burial at Decatur Cemetery, 229 Bell Street, Decatur, GA 30030.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Sharron’s favorite charity, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.

Pallbearers for the service will be Linford Conard, Dean Pickett, Robert Battaglia, Richard Hinkle, Perritt Smith and Christian Landers.