Mary Jane Sharp

HOUSTON - Mary Jane Sharp, of Milford, passed away Saturday, Sept. 20, 2008, at home surrounded by her loving family. Mrs. Sharp was born in Philadelphia as Mary Jane Cannon. She moved to Houston shortly after birth to live with Randall and Anna Johnson. She was a graduate of Milford High School. After graduation, she went to work for Brown P. Thawley. She also worked for the Milford Packing Co., Silicato, Mohawk Electronics and Leggett's. On June 13, 1956, Mary Jane married Walter H. Sharp. They were married for 35 years. Together they raised two children, Marvin and Brenda Lee. They spent many hours working together on rental properties for extra income. They enjoyed crabbing, church dinners and Sunday drives. They were always there when either of their children had an event. Mary Jane also enjoyed helping out her daughter-in-law Donna with the daycare, where she was known affectionately as "Mom Mom Jane." She was a charter member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Carlisle Fire Co. where she held many offices including that of president and served on many committees. In 2005, the Ladies Auxiliary recognized Mary Jane as the auxiliary's Lady of the Year, presenting her with the Edward C. Jester Memorial Award. She loved country music and loved to travel to both Nashville, Tenn., and Branson, Mo., and enjoyed traveling to New England in the fall months. She also enjoyed a day trip to many area dinner theaters. Another love she had was making and passing out her candy and homemade cheese cakes during the holidays. She was also an avid baseball fan, attending many games throughout her life from the local Milford minor league team to the Delmarva Shorebirds and Philadelphia Phillies. She was also an animal lover. She was preceded in death by her husband, Walter H. Sharp, in 1992; her parents, Randall and Anna Johnson; and her loving sister-in-law, Gladys Sharp. She is survived by a son, Marvin C. Sharp and his wife Donna; a daughter, Brenda L. Sharp; a granddaughter, Elsa Sharp and her husband Curtis, all of Milford; and the apple of her eye, her great-grandchildren, Curtis "CJ" and Blaire Morgan Sharp. Services were Wednesday at the Lofland Funeral Home, 102 Lakeview Ave., Milford. Burial was in Milford Community Cemetery, North Walnut Street. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963.