Gloria May Sharp

Gloria May Sharp, age 98, went to be with her Lord and Savior Friday, June 28, 2024. She was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Keith E. Sharp; parents Albert and Florence Sterken; siblings Donald, Roland, Albert, and Patsy; and grandson, Cody Reynolds. She leaves cherished memories with her children Diane (Wayne) Dalman, Craig (Shannon) Sharp, Karen Reynolds, Karl (Jennifer) Sharp, and Paul Sharp; grandchildren Matt (Christy) Sharp, Melissa (Dave) Horton, Jason (Lisa) Sharp, Megan Schultze, Colette (Mike) Nelson, Cory (Amanda) Sharp, Britany (Taylor) Saul, Michael Reynolds, and TJ Reynolds; 16 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Marillyn Baldry; many nieces and nephews; many cherished friends and neighbors.

Gloria loved Jesus and exhibited that love to everyone she met the way I Corinthians 13 describes. She faithfully prayed for her family members and others. Over the years, she taught young children and worked in ladies’ group and was part of the group to found Grandville Baptist Church. Gloria embraced life with a positive outlook, finding the good in people, always encouraging others. She treated each one as if they were her favorite child, grandchild, or friend. She faithfully took an interest in the lives and interests of her children and grandchildren. She graciously invited people into her home and looked for ways to serve others over herself. Gloria was a hard worker but knew how to have fun like a kid to the very end of her life. After twenty plus years of being a stay-at-home mom, in her later 40s Gloria began to drive a Region Three bus, transporting special needs children, which she continued for 23 years until she was 70. Known by her young passengers as "Grandma Gloria," and often a mother to their parents, she treasured those children. In her retirement years she met many new friends at Wyoming Senior Center, enjoying walk-club, bean bag baseball, and teaching Swedish weaving. She met more friends in the senior bowling league. Gloria loved to work in her yard, even shoveling snow for neighbors into her 90s. Ater a faithful Holy Spirit-filled life, Gloria earned a "well done" as she entered Heaven’s gates.

In honor of Gloria’s memory, share the Christ-like love you knew from her with everyone in your life, serving others and finding God’s goodness in each person and situation.

A memorial celebration of Gloria’s life will take place 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 2, 2024 at Cook Memorial Chapel, 4235 Prairie St. SW, Grandville, with visitation prior to service from 10-10:45 a.m. The family welcomes memories and messages at www.cookcaresgrandville.com in their guest book online.