Sharon King

Sharon King, a cherished individual known for her kind, outspoken, no-nonsense, loving, and caring personality, passed away on January 11, 2025. Born on August 24, 1958, to Curtis and Bertha King, Sharon lived a life filled with tremendous passion and service towards others.

Sharon attended Soldan High School, graduating in 1977. After high school, she went on to study at SIU-Edwardsville. After her studies, she was hired to work at Central Hardware for many years until they closed. She then moved on to become an employee of Quest Diagnostics, where she worked until her health failed.

Sharon welcomed her first daughter and only child, Tanisha Nelson, on March 8, 1980.

Sharon gave her life to Christ at an early age and was baptized at Union Tabernacle Church. She later became a dedicated member of Calvary Missionary Baptist Church and served on various committees and programs, holding several offices and roles. Some of those committees and roles included District President for Gateway Central, member of the mass choir, member of the Stewardship Sunday School class, and member of the Calvary Community Development Corporation (CCDC).

Sharon was preceded in death by her parents, Curtis and Bertha King, and her brothers Ransom Ward Jr. and Charles Ward Sr.

Sharon truly believed that no one was a stranger, and her doors were always open. She was a loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, friend, coworker, and a beautiful soul who would help anyone. Her big personality lit up any room she entered. She enjoyed traveling, camping, singing, frying fish, baking pies, and challenging herself to try new things and activities. She lived life to the fullest and especially loved spending time with her family, whom she proclaimed she was the boss of.

Sharon is survived by her daughter Tanisha Hemphill, her grandson Aiden “Ace” Hemphill, her sister Babette (Tracy) Hykes, a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, and special sister-friends Denise Jackson and Patricia Campbell, whose lives were all greatly enriched by her presence. Her departure leaves an unfillable void in their lives, yet they find comfort in the memories and everlasting love they shared.