Sharon Wagner, a woman so full of life and laughter that she could have been mistaken for a Christmas Hallmark movie protagonist, traded her earthly home in Brazil, Indiana, for her heavenly abode on November 6, 2023. Born in the quaint town of Paris, Illinois, on September 19, 1944, Sharon was a woman who knew how to cook up a storm, both in the kitchen and in life.
Sharon grew up in a large household being the oldest of 11 siblings. She loved her siblings dearly and made countless memories with them throughout her childhood and into her adult life.
Sharon’s journey through the pages of academia led her to Clinton High School, where she graduated in 1963. She was the kind of student who made teachers question their career choices, not because she was a troublemaker, but because her infectious laughter and zest for life made the classroom feel more like a stand-up comedy show. On June 6, 1963, Sharon married the love of her life, James R. Wagner, who preceded her in death in 2009.
After high school she began working at Zenith where she continued to work for over 10 years. After Zenith, she sauntered into the culinary world, first as a dietary supervisor at Clay County Hospital. She was the kind of supervisor who made hospital food taste like a five-star meal, a feat that could only be accomplished by a woman with her culinary prowess and a dash of humor. After her stint at the hospital, she worked as a cook at Harbourside until 2008, where her food was so good, it could cure any ailment, except perhaps a broken heart.
Sharon was a woman of many interests and talents. She was a Brownie leader for years, and she didn’t just teach the girls how to earn badges, but also how to laugh at life’s absurdities. She had a knack for crocheting, creating masterpieces that could rival any high-end fashion designer’s collection. Her curly q ribbons were the stuff of legends, and they were so intricately designed that they could have passed for miniature sculptures.
Sharon’s love for her flower garden was unparalleled. She tended to each flower as if it were her own child, and in return, they bloomed brighter and more beautifully under her care. She was the kind of gardener who could make a daisy feel like a rose, and a rose feel like the queen of the garden.
Family was the epicenter of Sharon’s universe. She loved spending time with them, and her laughter was the soundtrack to every family gathering. She was the glue that held everyone together, and her absence will leave a void that can never be filled. She was an extremely proud grandmother.
Sharon’s furry companion, Champ, was her constant shadow. Their bond was so strong that it could put any buddy-cop movie to shame. She loved him dearly, and he returned her love with unwavering loyalty and countless butt wiggles.
Sharon was a Christmas Hallmark movie enthusiast, and she could recite every line from every movie. She loved shopping, and her impeccable fashion sense could put any runway model to shame. But above all, she was a woman who was loving, kind, and selfless. She was the kind of person who could light up a room with her laughter, and her presence was like a warm hug on a cold winter’s day.
Sharon Wagner was a woman who lived her life to the fullest, with a dash of humor, a sprinkle of love, and a whole lot of kindness. Her legacy will live on in the hearts of all those who were fortunate enough to know her. So, here’s to Sharon, a woman who taught us all how to laugh, love, and live with abandon.
Sharon is preceded in death by her parents, John and Norma (Hickman) Swinford, her husband James, a daughter, Stacie Perry, two brothers, Richard and Michael Swinford, her grandmother, Irene Campbell Hickman, and many extended family members.
Sharon is survived by four children, Marcie Martin (Robert), Robert Wagner (Vicki), Lisa Drake, and Scott Wagner (Balinda), grandchildren, Matt (Ashley), Robbie, Amanda (Cody), Stephanie, Julie, Raedawn, Isiah, Elijah, Robert James (Corina), Abigail (Daniel), Lacey (Todd), Nicholas W., Nicholas M. and Brieanna, great grandchildren, Parker (Josh), Mylie, Alice, Hunter, Paislee, Braxton, Benjamin, and Lillieanna. Siblings, Linda Jordan and the late Terry Jordan, Beverly Andrews and the late Robert Andrews, Joanne Hixson and the late Richard Hixson, Barbara Holmes (Larry), Carla Wallace (Donnie), Gail Bryan and the late Bill Bryan, Jan Clifton (Danny), and John Swinford as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life will be held Friday, November 17th from 4-6 P.M. at French Funeral Home, 421 East National Avenue in Brazil.