Barbara Barnes Sharpe

Barbara Barnes Yelverton Sharpe passed away on Friday, September 5, 2025. She was born on December 22, 1936 in Four Oaks, NC. She is survived by her children, Paul Yelverton (wife, Barbara) of Fleming Island, Florida and Pam Yelverton of Raleigh, NC. Her granddaughter is Taylor Yelverton of Florida. Barbara’s siblings are Carolyn Allen (husband, Wayne) of Raleigh, NC and Danny Barnes (wife, Sandra) of Four Oaks, NC. She was preceded in death by her husband Charles H. Yelverton who passed away in 1981. She was also married to Reverend Lauren Sharpe in 1984. He passed away in 1987. The loss of these two gentlemen was, of course, difficult, but she knew that she was blessed greatly to have two such special men in her life and found gratitude for their love.

Barbara was also preceded in death by her parents, Charlie and Carrie Barnes and her brother, Glenn Barnes.

Barbara lived in Kenansville, NC for more than 50 years and cherished the friends she has there. Later in life, she moved to Cary, NC to The Templeton, a senior living residence, to be closer to her family. While she missed the place she would always call home, she found comfort and security with her family closer and with the care of the facility staff.

Grief.

Grief is the love felt for someone who is so wonderfully special, and when they pass away from this world, the great love that is so very real no longer has a place to rest. It no longer has that voice to hear, that hand to hold, that tiny woman with such a huge spirit to hug. That love must – after time – find a place that allows us to hold memories close, remember the wisdom shared and hold tightly the times when you would simply be in a room with someone who would always find the perfect sarcastic thought to share. That is Barbara.

To be born means we will one day no longer live. To love means we are willing to anticipate there will be loss, but it simply does not matter. The life of those we love will end, as will ours one day, but experiencing life with them is a stronger force than anything else and we hold that knowledge as a blessing. The cherished memories become gifts and will be moments for which we will be truly thankful.

She is at peace after a full life. We celebrate her with love beyond words.

Barbara has chosen to be cremated and laid to rest beside her husband, Charlie, in Smithfield. There will be no formal ceremony, but we invite everyone to celebrate her in memories and with love. A small family gathering will be planned soon….because that is what mom told us to do.

Brown-Wynne, 300 Saint Mary's Street, Raleigh is serving the Sharpe family.