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.
Soft Serenity Floor Basket was sent for Willette Daye Sharpe - September 30, 2024
I wasn't a student however she was very kind to me as Jothany and I was childhood friends & I would visit their home. May the family experience the peace that passes all understanding.
I am so grateful for my kindergarten and first-grade teacher, Ms. Sharpe. I offer prayers and comfort to the family.
Carla Childs
So sorry to hear of Mrs.Sharpe's passing. I will always have fond memories of her while I was a student at Stuart Elementary. Praying God surround her loved ones. Ashley Clarke
To the family, please accept my sincere condolences reference the passing of Mrs. Sharpe. The names Jack Sharpe and Willette Daye bring back memories. My brother (Frank Sharpe Jr was a student of Jack Sharpe at Mosby School). That was the first time outside of our (immediate) family that we met someone with the same last name. As kids,we were excited about the situation. May God continue to order your steps. Ann Sharpe
Godmother, I will forever cherish the wonderful times that I shared with you. I am grateful that you and my Godfather were chosen by my mother and father to be my Godparents when I was born. Thank you Godmother for being there to help raise, nurture, and mold me into the woman that I am today. Rest peacefully in Paradise Godmother I love you, always and forever Your Godaughter, Tuwanda
Godmother, I will forever cherish the wonderful times that I shared with you. I am grateful that you and my Godfather were chosen by my mother and father to be my Godparents when I was born. Thank you Godmother for being there to help raise, nurture, and mold me into the woman that I am today. ~ Rest peacefully in Paradise Godmother, I love you always, and forever🕊️ Your Godaughter,Tuwanda
I am deeply saddened by the loss of Mrs. Sharpe. She an incredible profound impact on my education. My condolences to her family and loved ones during this difficult time. May her legacy continue to inspire generations to come.
Sending my deepest condolences to the Sharpe family. Mrs. Sharpe was my Kindergarten and first grade teacher at Mary Scott Elementary School. Growing up on Moss Side and she and her family living right around the corner on Ladies Mile brings back fond memories of playing with Jack and Jothany and having such a loving and caring educator in my life. May God give you all the strength to endure during this difficult time.
I want send my condolences from the Lighty family at this time. And on a personal note I want to say I will really miss seeing and talking to her at church. Rest In Peace!!!
Hello Family, just wanted to know that Jill and I were like sisters at JEB Stuart . You have my heartfelt sympathy and I will always cherish my memories. God Bless! ! Barbara Anderson
My most sincere prayers and condolences to the family. May you find comfort in God's love at this most difficult time. Roslyn de Cordova
To my beautiful Mother in law... though my time with you was short... the impact of your presence in my life was immense. Your spirit is the light I see in your son and the sparkle he has in his eyes is the love he has for you. Sleep peacefully Queen . God bless.
I will always remember Mrs Sharpe. She was always calm and had a smile on her face. And Mr Sharpe, you are in my prayers. Beth (VCI)
Sorry to hear about Jill, she will be greatly missed. She was a true and loving friend, her caring, sharing and concern for other will never be forgotten. Please remember that she is gone but not forgotten because her memories will always remain in your heart. She is resting in the bosom of our Lord and Saviour, I will miss our conversations and crazy talk. My family will be here for you and will keep in touch. Keep the faith and Trust in God. Love you and take care!! Rosena Tiller
Mrs Sharpe was such a lovely, sweet spirited woman of God. She will absolutely be missed by the Ebenezer Church family. Sending love and light to the Sharpe Family.
Prayers to Uncle Jack and all of Sharpe family. Love from Tracy and Simms family in Texas!
Momma Sharpe you will be greatly missed. I will continue to check on Poppa Sharpe as I usually do with my Sundays after church visits to yawls house. I will continue to keep you near and dear in my heart as always. Last but not least I'm going to miss all of our conversations!! Rest easy as you have ran your course of completion on this side! Love you always!! You are definitely pain free now! Debra Michelle Ellerbe
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