She was born on October 25, 1943 in Seymour, Indiana, to Miller and Myrtle Sheppard, while Miller was stationed at Freeman Army Airfield during World War II. As a child, she moved with her family across several Alabama cities and towns before they finally put down roots in Semmes. She graduated from Semmes High School in 1961 and from Business School in 1962. Not long after, Sharon was introduced to E.J. “Sonny” Powell through her best friend, Dawn, whose big brother, Steve, happened to be Sonny's best friend. The two eloped on the six-month anniversary of their first date, and over the following decade they welcomed three children into their family. Sharon and Sonny were married for nearly 47 years, building a life together in Semmes and watching their family grow to include two daughters-in-law, three grandchildren, and a menagerie of rescued pets that only Sharon could have gathered. After losing Sonny, her family continued to grow, welcoming a great-granddaughter and great-grandson. Every time someone called her Mom, Grandma, or Grammie, her heart swelled and her light shone a little brighter.
Over the years, Sharon held a variety of jobs, including church secretary at Crawford United Methodist Church (now Crawford Chapel), twenty-five years as a School Traffic Officer with the Mobile Police Department for Saint Paul’s Episcopal School, and finally a career as a Bridal Consultant at both Gayfers and Dillards. A natural people person, she thrived in every role, drawn to the constant opportunities to meet new people and to help them in whatever way she could. Her time as a Bridal Consultant carried the added bonus of letting her indulge her love of fine china and crystal, growing a collection she cherished.
Sharon walked with God daily, and her life bore the fruit of the Spirit — love, joy, peace, kindness, goodness, and faithfulness. Her faith was never just something she spoke of; it was something she lived. Each morning began with devotion, prayer, and a cup of coffee, and the hours that followed were filled with hard work, creating a warm and welcoming home for her family, time spent with friends, and a steady, quiet sharing of God's love with all who crossed her path.
In her later years, as dementia gradually reshaped her world, the essence of who she was remained unchanged — her love for her family, her unwavering faith, and the light in her eyes whenever she smiled, laughed, or recognized someone she loved. Her family wishes to express heartfelt gratitude to the nurses and staff at Somerby Mobile, who cared for Sharon during her time in Assisted Living and Memory Care before her transition to skilled nursing. They are especially grateful to the doctors, nurses, caregivers, and staff at Springhill Senior Residences and Gentiva Hospice, who walked alongside her — and her family — through the final chapter of her life over the past two years. Their tireless patience, compassion, humor, and devotion to their "Pow-Pow" brought comfort and dignity to Sharon and peace of mind to those who loved her, every single day. Please know how deeply she loved and appreciated each of you, as does her family.
Sharon is survived by her children, David Powell, Jennifer Powell, and Jeffery (Stephanie) Powell; her grandchildren, Megan Bell, Katie (Jackson) Hurston, and Brock Powell; her great-grandchildren, Mary Montague Bell and Frankie Bell; her sisters, Carol Ham, Judy (Dusty) Nix, and Kay (Calvin) Harris; her cherished Aunt Mary Ann Sheppard; and a wide circle of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Ethridge J. "Sonny" Powell, Jr.; her father, Miller Sheppard; her mother, Myrtle Brock Sheppard; her brother, Frank Sheppard; and her beloved daughter-in-law, Kelly McLarty Powell.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 3rd, 2026, at 11:00 am, at Crawford Chapel. Visitation with the family will begin at 10:00 am, with a reception to follow the service in the church fellowship hall.
In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations in Sharon's memory to the Dementia Society of America (dementiasociety.org), the UAMS Myeloma Center (cancer.uams.edu), or the American Heart Association (heart.org).
