Mary Sharp

St. Marys-Mary A. Sharp, 91, passed away Monday, June 15, 2015 at her home. She was born March 18/19, 1924 at Okmulgee,, OK, the daughter of Elmore and Nina Bell Patterson Blackburn. Mary lived in Okmulgee, Emporia, Admire and Alma as a child. She graduated from Alma High School and attended Baker University at Baldwin City. Mary and her husband Charles owned and operated a filling station in St. Marys for 33 years; she also was an Avon Representative for many years. Mary was an active member of the St. Marys United Methodist Church, the FCE, Order of the Eastern Star and Literary Club where she served as President. She also served on the election board for many years. She was united in marriage to Charles N. "Charlie" Sharp on January 23, 1948 at the Manhattan Christian College. He preceded her in death on September 8, 2006. She was also preceded in death by a stillborn son, Paul, her parents, three brothers, Ted, John and Joe Blackburn, and a daughter-in-law Suzanne Sharp. Survivors include two sons, Charles N. (Ellie) Sharp, Salina and David B. (Janice) Sharp, Rossville; her daughter, Sally K. Sharp, St. Marys; a brother, Herschel Blackburn, Wichita; sister-in-laws, Lois Blackburn, in Arkansas and Clara (Ed) Shannon in Colorado; grandchildren Clint Sharp, Emily (Jason) Lamb, Ben (Kate) Sharp, Joe Sharp, Hannah (Craig) Gilmore and Abigail Sharp; three great-granddaughters, twin great-granddaughters, Meyer and McCarty and Jacee Gilmore. Funeral services will be at 3:00 P.M. Friday, June 19, 2015 at the St. Marys United Methodist Church. Private family interment will be in Valley View Cemetery, St. Marys. Mrs. Sharp will lie in state after 5:00 P.M. Thursday, June 18, 2015 at Piper Funeral Home in St. Marys where family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 P.M. Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Marys United Methodist Church or Grace Hospice and sent in care of Piper Funeral Home, 714 Maple St., St. Marys, Kansas 66536. Online condolences may be sent to www.piperfuneralhome.com.