Shari Lea Evans Tipton

Shari Lea Evans Tipton, 57, of Hurricane, WV died Monday,  March 6, 2023, at the home of her sister, Julie Manning, in Lynchburg, VA after a graceful and brave struggle with cancer.   She was a beautiful and devoted mother, daughter, sister, and friend.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Timothy Tipton; her brother, Shane Hudnall; and her step-father John Nelson Evans.

She leaves behind her son, Charles Adam Roberts, of Hurricane, WV whom she loved above all;  her mother, Lida Widdecombe and step-father, Lawrence Widdecombe, III of Oriental, NC;  her father, Thomas Wayne Hudnall, and step-mother, Gail Hudnall, of Fort Mill, SC;  her sister Deborah Harless, and nephew Graham Harless, of Charleston, WV;  her sister Beverly Nichols,  and nephew Joe Nichols, of SC;  her sister, Julie Evans Manning,  and brother-in-law Michael Manning, and nephew Evan Sizemore and nieces Asher Sizemore and Grace Sizemore, of Lynchburg, VA;  her brother Tommy Hudnall, and brother-in-law Jose Rivas, of Charlotte, NC;  uncles, Homer Graham and Reuben Graham, of Charleston, WV;  aunts, Donna Day of Ravenswood, WV and Sue Evans of CA; her close friend, James Robert Poole, of South Charleston, WV;  her life-long best friend, Tracy Gossard Miller, of Bridgeport, WV, several cousins, adopted family members, and many, many loyal friends.

Shari was born May 5, 1965, in Charleston, WV.  She graduated from George Washington High School in 1983 and briefly lived in Germany, Tennessee, and North Carolina before returning to West Virginia, where she was employed in the transportation industry, working for Pitt-Ohio and Roadway trucking companies.  She then joined Progressive Insurance, where she worked for the remainder of her career.

Shari had an unquestionable love for her family and friends, whom she treasured and celebrated.  She accepted everyone and put folks at ease.  She had a way of making people and the moments she shared with them feel special.  She was deeply thoughtful, sensitive to the needs and feelings of others, kind, generous, brave, and loyal. Her sense of humor often prompted contagious fits of unstoppable laughter and she fostered intimate conversations with her careful listening and genuine interest.  Shari was content to quietly work behind the scenes to support and champion others so that they could shine.  Her heart was big.  She was one of the best humans on earth.

Shari was happiest with the simple things she loved:  her son, Charlie, her family and friends, her horse, dogs, and cats; her collection of music; late night conversations; small gatherings and family reunions, stays at the beach and in the mountains, road trips, good food, campfires, her collection of kaleidoscopes, daffodils, holiday celebrations, HGTV, and adventures of all kinds.

A Celebration of Life service is scheduled for Saturday, March 18, 2023 with a gathering at 1:00 pm and the service at 2:00 pm at St. Marks United Methodist Church, 900 Washington St. East, Charleston, WV 25301.  It will be officiated by Rev. Cyndy Briggs-Biondi and Rev.  Monty Brown.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Rea of Hope, 1429 Lee St. East, Charleston, WV 25301.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg is assisting the family