Sharlett V Tays, age 91, of Machesney Park, Illinois passed away on Wednesday, January 7, 2026. She was born May 31, 1934 to Lonnie and Leo (Mask) Hill in Pocahontas, Arkansas. She was united in marriage on September 28, 1953 to Lloyd Tays and they spent 63 wonderful years together before he passed in 2017.
Sharlett was a social butterfly. She loved having company and held pride in maintaining her home for guests. She enjoyed watching old westerns. Most of all, she loved spending time with her family.
Sharlett is survived by her children, Bert Tays and Rebecca Smallwood; grandchildren, Kim Akers, Tiffany Smallwood, and Lindsey Smallwood; great-grandchildren, Sophia, Molly, Skyler, Ashlynn, Clayton, Aubreya, Sevastiana, Sa’myna, and October; great-great-grandchildren, Micha and Da’mir; and nephew, Steve.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Lloyd Tays; daughter, Virginia Ruth Whitehead; parents, Lonnie and Leo Hill; and siblings, Bernice and Walter.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association.
A visitation for Sharlett will be held on Tuesday, January 13 from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm at Sunset Funeral Home, 8800 N Alpine Rd, Machesney Park, IL 61115 with a service to follow at 2:00 pm. Burial rites to follow.
