Sharon Kirkland

Sharon Allen Kirkland of Manalapan, Florida passed away peacefully on August 7, 2026 at the age of 84. Born on November 12, 1941 to Joe and Lillian Allen (nee, Corinth) in Wilmington, Delaware, Sharon grew up in Westport, Connecticut where she graduated from Staples High School before attending the University of Arizona. She began working as a flight attendant for World Airways, helping transport soldiers between Vietnam and the United States when she wasn’t on commercial trips. After landing in Tampa on one such passenger flight, she met Bob Kirkland — then just three weeks and a few endearing nicknames later, in April 1966, the two were married. They spent the following 60 years adventuring around the world with each other and their three beautiful children, exploring dozens of countries (including a brief time spent living outside of London in the late 70s).

Sharon served as a real estate agent in St. Louis, MO, Washington, D.C., and Palm Beach, FL for most of her life — but more importantly, she served as a cornerstone of her community too. She was Chair of the Architectural Review Committee for the Town of Manalapan, volunteered at the library, and proudly served as a polling clerk and trainer there for many years. She could regularly be seen walking her beloved dog, Charley, throughout town and stopping to chat with anyone she would meet. Sharon loved volunteering, gardening, biking, spending time with family, and any other project she could get her hands on.

Her spirit is carried on by her husband, Bob; her children, Sean, Paget, and Whitney; her five grandchildren, Lilly, Lexi, Lauren, Alexander, and Liam; her beloved dog, Charley; and a wide network of friends and family whose lives she touched along the way. She left us all with countless memories and endless wisdom, including: Never forget a smiley face, dance whenever you can, treat yourself to a pedicure, start your morning with fresh fruit, know what to do in case you encounter a bear, dress up in the fun clothes and bright colors, say hi to everyone you pass on the street, bake extra cookies, send that letter checking in on old friends, and above all else, JDI (just do it). Funeral arrangements are private.