Ms. Sharon Spears Koelsch

Sharon Lee Spears Koelsch, 83, of Lynchburg, Virginia, passed away peacefully at her residence on July 15, 2025. She opened her eyes again in Heaven and was reunited with many loved ones who went before her, including her beloved husband, Joseph Koelsch, and her cherished son, John Russell Koelsch

Born on July 9, 1942, in Santa Maria, California, to Ruby and John Spears, Sharon lived a life centered around family, love, and togetherness.

As a young girl, she enjoyed vacations and spending time at the family lake house. She fondly remembered climbing trees and building tents on the backyard clothesline, cherishing the simple joys of childhood

She was united in marriage to Joseph Richard Koelsch in 1968, whom she met while they both worked together at the post office. They shared 40 wonderful years of marriage before his passing. In the early 80’s, Sharon and her family made the move from California to Lynchburg, Virginia, where they built a home full of love, laughter, and lasting memories. She spent many years working at Betty Brite Cleaners where you could find her with her bright red hair and a smile on her face for all her customers. She was a wonderful Mom to her boys who knew she would do all she could to make their lives better.

Sharon is survived by her devoted sons, Richard Koelsch and his wife Dee Dee of Rustburg, and Monte Tucker of Lynchburg. She was a proud and loving grandmother to Jessica Lewis (Bryan), Brittany Gilbert (Robbie), Johnny Hammans (Ariel), Courtney Lethcoe (Jeremy), Allison Koelsch, and Shawn Koelsch. Her legacy continues through her great-grandchildren: Luke Lethcoe, Cora-Beth Lethcoe, Skarlett Gilbert, and Wiley Hammans. She is also survived by a host of other relatives throughout the country who loved her dearly and will miss her deeply.

Sharon found joy in the simple pleasures of life and had a unique gift for making every holiday magical. She was famous for her big Easter egg hunts—always making sure each child had a basket full of treasures. On Halloween, her porch light was a welcome beacon for the neighborhood, and she never failed to greet her favorite trick-or-treaters (her grandchildren) with a big smile and an even bigger bowl of candy

Christmas Eve was one of her favorite times of year. She loved nothing more than filling her home with family, laughter, and food. Each year, the number of presents under her tree seemed to grow, a true reflection of her love for giving and spoiling those she held dear.

Sharon was truly a classy woman who valued family above all else; when asked about the best advice her mother ever gave her, she said it was to keep your family ties strong. This was a principle she faithfully lived by throughout her life. She will be remembered most for her kind heart, her warm hugs, and her bright smile she shared so freely with everyone she met. Her home was a place of joy, tradition, and unconditional love where memories were made and hearts were full.

Her warmth, generosity, and unwavering love for her family will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

A graveside service to celebrate Sharon’s life will be held on Friday, July 18, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Fort Hill Memorial Park in Lynchburg, Virginia. Family and friends are warmly invited to attend.