KARIN SUE SHARPE

Karen Sue Sharpe, tragically passed away from complications of COVID-19 on November 28, 2020 in Kansas City, MO.  Karen, or “Sue” as she was lovingly called by her family, was born to Doris Lorena Spratt (Anderson) and Harlie Aubrey Spratt on May 9, 1946 in Davenport, Iowa.

Sue was raised in Ewing, MO and Quincy, IL.  She married Charles Rodney Sharpe on February 7, 1965.  Together, they had three children and moved all over the Midwest United States.  She orchestrated family moves from New Orleans and Lafayette, LA; Kansas City, MO; Dallas, Longview and San Antonio, TX; Topeka, KS; Columbia, MO and then Tulsa, OK.  Even though no longer married, Sue and Rodney remained friends until his passing in 2011.

After settling in Tulsa with her children in 1977, Sue’s house was always open to their friends who enjoyed huge meals and continuing motherly advice.   For nearly two decades, she spent her Saturday mornings with her woman’s Bible Study group.  While in Tulsa, she held various jobs, ultimately becoming a human resources executive for a number of major corporations which led her to Nashville, TN prior to retirement.

Sue was a legendary storyteller.  Her family teased her because the stories would last forever and take many twists and turns.  She never met a stranger.  On more than one occasion she was seen hugging a woman she’d just met in the supermarket checkout line.  Sue loved nothing more than spending time with her family and friends.  She managed her busy schedule to never miss the annual “sisters only” weekend.   As the second oldest of 11 girls, she was always involved in planning those classic weekends.

Faith and family meant everything to Sue, and her children and grandchildren were her greatest joy.   And so were her children’s spouses who she considered her “kids,” too.

The joyous laughter of family gatherings will ring in our hearts forever.  The example she set through a life led with deep Christian beliefs, friendship, love and support will never leave.  And knowing she’s now in the loving arms of our Lord and Savior will help comfort us all.

She is survived by her three children and spouses: Rhonda Sharpe Lofton (Scott) of Independence, MO; Lori Sharpe Day (Mark) of Brentwood, TN; and Charles Norval Sharpe III (Jennifer) of Dallas, TX; her sisters: Harlena Finn (Mickey), Tommy Padavic, Vanessa Kayser (Danny), Pam Dalton, Melanie Yantis (Mike), Lisa Bratton (Peggy Munson), Theresa Welte (Joe), Debbie Faulconer (Terry) and Kim Walter (Rick); bonus sister Carol Sharpe Boone (Willard); grandchildren Sloan Lofton, Tyler Lofton, Elizabeth Day, Lauren Sharpe, Charles Sharpe IV and Wyatt Sharpe; and many loving nieces and nephews.

Karen Sue was preceded in death by her father, Harlie Spratt, her mother, Doris Ryan and sister, Sandra Howerton.  

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there will be a private, immediate family only ceremony and burial.  A celebration of Karen Sue’s life will be held at a later time.

COVID-19 has been devastating to so many families across our great country, and in lieu of flowers, we ask that you make a donation to your local food bank in Karen Sue’s name to help those who currently don’t know where their next meal will come from. 
Online condolences may be left at www.arnoldsfuneralhome.net