Our beautiful Sharon Clara Gregston gained her Heavenly wings on October 19, 2020 and is joining her Mother Goldie Reba Neumann, Father John Henry Neumann, brothers Wayne Neumann & Paul Neumann, sister-in-law Jerilyn Neumann, nephew Paul Douglas Neumann and niece Stacy Neumann. Sharon is survived by her three unquestionably amazing, fantastic children Sandy Hartman, April Kelly and her partner Renee Nelson, John “JK” Kelly and his fiancé Sara Davila, her granddaughter Kendyl Kelly, her beloved Great Dane Pandora, ex-husband & friend Weldon Gregston, lovely bonus daughter Tonya Vikos and her husband Chris, and grandson Carson as well as numerous nieces, nephews and friends/family all who truly love and adored her. Sharon was born, played hard with her group of remarkably close friends, and died at the young age of, oh we will never tell, in Pasadena, the city she loved.
Sharon worked for Mass Mutual Life Insurance for over 25 years being one of their top national underwriters. She also worked for the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo for over 20 years in Marketing and Communications, The RITE program and as Executive Assistant to COO Leroy Shafer. It was a job she thoroughly enjoyed, so much so, she would put together her “work outfits” (clothes, hats, boots, and jewelry) three weeks before the show even started and boy she was always dressed as one classy cowgirl. Speaking of cowgirls, Sharon was also a member of the WW Trail Ride team for many years.
Those who were blessed to know "crazy" or "sweet" Sharon knew she loved having a good time whether dancing or throwing one of her famous backyard parties. One time her spell bounding skills of balance were on full display for all to witness as she masterfully held a tray of deviled eggs in one hand and tried to open a glass door with the other…well.. this led to a beautiful Joan Mitchell type design of colorful streaking yoke, paprika & egg whites sliding down the glass.
Everyone loved being around her, including the friends of her children, nieces and nephews who always wanted to know if crazy Aunt Sharon “the prankster” was going to be at the get together. Now Sharon might have invoked the 5th or claimed her innocence stating she did not start it, but this was often debatable. As adults, she & her brother decided a bicycle race was a good idea. In the heat of the event her fashionable wig {yes, she went through a wig phase} flew off & landed on his head. Since Uncle Paul was missing a good percentage of his own hair, the placement of the wig was rightfully proclaimed as having a new owner. We are not sure who won the race, but it did not matter, it was about the laughs. No matter what, she always wanted people to have a good time, even if
it was at her own expense. To all of you, thank you so very much for sharing in those joyous times with us and for your support.
Sharon was a strict but loving Mother, for us kids one of our fondest memories was as children, and some would argue as adults, Sharon would torture us with the assignment of “pulling weeds from the flower beds”. This job could produce painful welts so we would complain at the top of our lungs “there are fire ants!”, to which Mother always gave us the most supporting, loving advice replying, “pull around them!”
Mom loved celebrating, shown by the excessive decorating for the holidays, resulting in 98 tubs of Thanksgiving & Christmas decorations in her shed. {Thanks Pier 1} At times there were so many decorations rarely was there a place one could put a cup or plate down. Sometimes the holidays produced their own surprises, one Thanksgiving an unwise chocolate pie throwing prank between Sharon and her nephew went a little wrong as it ended up involving her Mother instead and oh boy Goldie was hot!!! Woops
She genuinely loved and cared deeply for her family and friends; this was occasionally shown by an Easter card from the ‘rabbit’ which included a personal gift of small dried raisins {think about it}. There are far too many memories to write in this tribute, therefore if you were lucky enough to have shared any memories with her, cherish them as deeply as we do.
Mother also had an incredibly sensitive side as well, she once told Weldon that she wanted to be buried face down, so everyone could kiss her a** goodbye. Mother decided to go with cremation in the end, so that is one less request we will need to deal with.
Our beloved Mother left a mark on everyone she met and will always be remembered as a beautiful, classy, quick witted, fun loving woman whose passing has left a huge hole in our souls. We are not sure if heaven can survive that whole crazy Neumann clan, but we can all rest assured we will be watched over, which frankly makes us all a bit nervous. Our hearts are certainly broken, yet we know the lessons you shared and the skills you taught us, have helped to make us all strong independent adults. Thank you Mom, we love and miss you.
Due to Covid 19 there will not be a funeral, however, plans for her Celebration of Life will be forthcoming. In her memory please consider donating to an Animal Rescue of your choice.
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