Clara Marie Sharp

Clara Marie Sharp, 87, died on Friday, February 13 at Sears Methodist Center. Funeral services will be held 10:00 am Monday February the 16th at Piersall Benton Funeral Home at 733 Butternut Street with Dr. David Wray and Derrill Osborn officiating.

Marie was born in New Baden, Texas on December 31, 1921 to Olga and Conard Miller. She attended Franklin High School and later graduated from nursing school in Houston. In 1943 she married Joseph E. Sharp, her high school sweetheart. They lived in Galveston, Germany, Hearne, Denver City and Orange before moving to Abilene in 1988.

Bee, as she was known by family, was a living wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. She was very outgoing, had a keen sense of humor and made friends easily wherever she lived. She was an avid bridge player and a wonderful cook who loved to entertain. Many friends learned first-hand how competitive she was, whether playing bridge, 42, 88 or bingo. She did not seek the limelight but she was very active in many community and church related activities. If she was asked to do something or volunteered to do something, it was done well. She was a faithful member of the Highland Church of Christ.

Marie was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, Brothers Ed Miller, Bill Miller, J.C. Miller and Charlie Miller, Sisters Margurite Wilkins and Maurice Cude and a grandson, Jayson Sharp. She is survived by sons Joe M. Sharp and wife Karen of Abilene, Mike Sharp and wife Lynda of Katy; grandsons, Stephen Sharp of Houston and Chris Sharp of Austin; a sister, Frances Slagle of College Station; several sisters-in-law and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to thank the staff and residents of Royal Estates of Abilene for their love, friendship and many acts of kindness shown to Marie during the time she lived there.

Visitation will be on Sunday, February 15 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at Piersall Benton Funeral Home, 733 Butternut Street. To honor Marie, donations may be made to the Jayson E. Sharp Memorial Scholarship Fund, Abilene Christian Schools, 2550 North Judge Ely, Abilene, Texas, 79601, or to your favorite charity. Condolences may be offered to the family online at www.pbfuneraldirectors.com.