Willette “Jill” Sharpe., 81, of Henrico, passed away on September 26, 2024. She was the daughter of the late Posey and Verniece Daye of Eden, North Carolina.

She was reared in Eden, North Carolina, with her brothers, the late Herman and Michael, brother Jerome, and sister Sylvia Mills. Jill was a majorette in the marching band and was active in the Frederick Douglass High School student government. She accepted the Lord at an early age at Mt. Sinai Baptist Church.

Jill matriculated at Bennett College, an all-women’s historically black college in Greensboro, North Carolina, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in elementary education. After graduation, she moved to Richmond, Virginia, to pursue a teaching career with Richmond City Public Schools. Her first teaching assignment was at Mosby Middle School, where she taught kindergarten and 1st grade. At Mosby, Jill met her soon-to-be husband, Jack C. Sharpe, who was teaching 5th grade.

Jill married Jack on August 21, 1965. A son, Jack C. Sharpe, Jr. (Kristy) of Henrico County, and Jothany D. Sharpe, San Jose, California, was born in that union. She has two grandsons, Jack C., III and Joshua Sharpe of Dumfries, Virginia, and a granddaughter, Aliyah Robertson of Chesterfield, Virginia.

She was a member of Ebenezer Baptist Church of Richmond, Virginia. She served her church community as the children’s choir director, Girl Scouts Leader, coordinator of after-school tutoring, and chair of the nominating committee. She was also a member of the Richmond Chapter of Delicados, Inc., and in 2011, she was recognized as a “Rosebud” for her outstanding service.

As a teacher, Jill was known for her ability to instill in her students the skills and motivation to become proficient readers. After 35 years of service, including teaching at Mary Scott, Jill retired from J. E. B. Stuart Elementary School (now Obama Elementary School).

She will be remembered for her calm demeanor, compassion, and willingness to lead with an empathetic ear. Jill was the epitome of a true friend.

In addition to her husband, children, and grandchildren left to cherish her memory

are Brothers-in-law Arthur P. Sharpe (Taunya) and James B. Sharpe (Christine), Sisters-in-law Anna Daye (Michael), Roxie Daye (Herman), Linda Roberson (William), Cynthia A. Suggs and Marsha Sharpe and a host of nephews, nieces, and friends.

Interment services are private.