Lorrie Linda Mears Sharpe

Born in Painter, Virginia on January 23, 1961, Lorrie was the youngest blessing of the five children born to Ralph Lee Mears, Sr. and Annie Lou Mears, who both preceded her in death.

Lorrie accepted Christ when she was young and worshipped at St. Paul AME Church in her hometown. It was there that she was greatly influenced by her mother’s service to the Lord. Lorrie used her mother’s model as the foundation for building her own relationships, especially her relationship with Jesus.

She attended the public schools of Accomack County and was a graduate of Central High School. Lorrie married her high school sweetheart, Anthony Sharpe Sr. He was the love of her life. God gave them three children, Roshaude, Anthony Jr. (Son Antrell), and Natasha. The family relocated to Austin, Texas in 1983 where Lorrie lived out the remainder of her days with Anthony Sr., her children and a new addition. Born April 1, 2009, Antrell “Pooda Bear” Sharpe, was her only grandchild whom she absolutely adored. She shared with him an unbreakable bond.

Lorrie, more appropriately, Deaconess Sharpe, was an active member of New Hope Missionary Baptist Church. Although she cared not for titles and protocols, it is befitting that her deeds and accolades be known. In addition to serving as the Chair Person of Deaconesses, she was in the choir. A wonderful singer, she dedicated herself to ensuring she was at practice and in prayer for every song because she believed seeds of salvation were sewn from the sincerity of those singing. She managed communications for the choir and disseminated information to the New Hope family regarding those that were sick or bereft. She was a teacher of God’s Word, she prepared communion, assisted with baptisms, served on the Women’s Day Committee, and was responsible for many other acts of intentional kindness, some of which we will never know because she never needed a spotlight. She just smiled and served, casting the light, Jesus’s light, on everything and everyone around her.

Serving God, being a dutiful wife and loving mother were Lorrie’s priorities, but she was just as passionate about her career in Medical Administration which spanned 30 years. She took great pride in her work. To Lorrie, each patient was an individual and when she was able to help someone resolve a difficult issue or sufficiently navigate the competing demands of obtaining appropriate healthcare and meeting financial obligations, she would give thanks to God for the opportunity. She meant stability to her management. She was as dependable as the sunrise, always on time, always prepared and often called on to train or provide assistance to her co-workers. She was a well-respected counselor, confidant, and friend in her office.

Lorrie was very content to enjoy her home, family and friends. She kept fresh flowers throughout her house and always kept it orderly. She spent time with Anthony Sr. cooking and entertaining – he on the grill, and she in the kitchen – an amazing duet sung sweetly over ribs, sausage, chicken, potato salad, corn cobs, candied yams and peach cobblers. She never denied anyone a place at her table or the comfort of a welcoming home. And anyone who had ever tasted her Banana Pudding, always came back for more. It was her signature dish and there were literally hard-feelings if there wasn’t enough to go around. It was the first thing packed to go. And go, it did! Every now and then she would try something new so she learned to shoot and got her license for concealed carry. She was very proud to accomplish that. In addition, her licensure meant there would be no disputes over Banana Pudding in her home.

In March of 2020, when the world shut down, Lorrie felt a calling to connect women with The Word of God. She began a weekly Bible Study on Friday evenings. Those who attended came to know it simply as “The Call”. She was on a journey to get a better understanding of God’s Word and she invited others along to do the same, in open forum, without denominational affiliations or constraints. She believed in the power of God’s love and she seemed to caringly guide others to share her belief. Because she was obedient, she was prepared for her journey. Thus, she helped fortify the hearts of those around her.

It would take so many more words and so much more space to reveal all that Lorrie meant to the community she painstakingly cared for. To tell that she kept baggies of non-perishable foods, water and clean socks in her car to distribute to the homeless. To say that if she ran out, she would make the trip home to replenish her supply or stop at a store and buy what she needed to give, then make her way back to the person or place that was on her heart. That she spent her time caring for the elderly, giving kind words and unrushed time to sit on their porches and listen to their stories, gather in their anecdotes and compare recipes. That she participated in community forums and used her voice to advocate for grocery stores, decent schools and better administrative policies to govern the care of our most vulnerable populations She had a heart of gold, and would do anything for anyone. She always loved to help if she could. She gave laughter and love. Lorrie was faithful to her service to others, as it was her service to God. And she worked until the day He called her to rest.

In addition to her husband, children and grandchild, Lorrie is survived by her siblings: Rev. Barry Mears, Eastern Shore, VA.; Ralph Mears Jr. (Grenda), Eastern Shore, VA.; Patsy Dicks (Richard Sr.) Virginia Beach, VA.; Annette Boone (Earl Sr.), Elizabeth City, NC.; Loeta (Mona) Allen (Surrogate Sister) Austin, TX. ; her in-laws: Clarence Sharp (Father In Law) Painter, VA.; William Sharpe (Anette), Panama, FL.; Keith Sharpe (Mae Frances) Killeen, TX.; Tanya Sharpe, Painter, VA.; Bryan Sharpe Austin, TX. ; And a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.