Obituaries » Sharon Jane Sutton “Shari” Willis
Sharon Jane Sutton “Shari” Willis
Sharon Jane Sutton “Shari” Willis, 75, of Lynchburg, Virginia passed away peacefully at home on December 20, 2022. She was the daughter of the late Sherwood and Lide Sutton.
Shari was born on September 3, 1947, in Buffalo, New York. She attended various schools growing up due to being in a military family. She attended school at Medical College of Virginia. She then pursued her radiologic technology education as a nuclear medical technician. She started her career at various Centra facilities in 1977, and continued her work in radiology and nuclear medicine until 2014. She retired in 2014 to support and nurture her grandchildren and spend time with family.
She was an active member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church and served in various roles. Shari was an avid reader, a skilled artist in painting, and enjoyed sewing and knitting gifts for people she loved. She was a lifelong learner, a giver, and always wanted to instill kindness in others.
Shari is survived by her daughter, Shannon Nivens (Scott); grandchildren, Natalie and Prescott Nivens; sister, Sandy Garrard; niece, Melissa Demsey (Ross); nephew, Knight Garrard (Dana); step-children, Pam Jenkins (Sam) and Stuart Willis (Linda).
In addition to her parents, Shari is predeceased by her brother, Richard Sutton and step-daughter, Penny Collings (Rich).
The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to Dr. MacNeill and his entire oncology staff, her personal caregivers, Charmaine and Deborah, and lifelong career friends who cared for her.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 4, 2023, at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation/Centra Diagnostic Fund.
Tharp Funeral Home, Lynchburg, is assisting the family.
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Shannon, Keeping you and the family in our thoughts and prayers. I met your sweet mom through you and the kids over the recent years. And I know how close you two were. In learning more about her through her obituary … she was an amazing person and loved by all through the many kind messages shared by her friends. She certainly raised a beautiful daughter too. Big hug, Allyson McSwain and family.
Posted by Allyson on December 22, 2022
When first we met, I had become an usher, and was assigned to work with Shari. She was so helpful, willing to give "how tos" and made my learning the skills comfortable. We worked together as stitchers on the kneelers, and she was happy for me that I finished one in 30 months. Shari always sent me a birthday card, and our days were only three days apart. Her smile, concern, and love of St. Paul's Episcopal Church were constant. Her grandchildren gave her great joy. For months I have missed her smile and know that she is now out of pain and in the comfort of Jesus' arms.
Posted by Mr. Terry Adams on December 22, 2022
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