Sharon J. Irwin

Sharon J. Irwin passed away on April 2, 2022 in Lee’s Summit, Missouri. Sharon was born on August 12, 1935 in Craig, Missouri. She lived on the family farm until age 8 when the family moved to St. Joseph, Missouri. Sharon graduated from Benton High School in St. Joseph, Missouri in 1953.

Sharon met the love of her life Greg Irwin and they were married in 1956. Sharon and Greg raised their family, two daughters and a son, in Lee’s Summit, Missouri. The family spent time camping, fishing, and traveling all over the United States. Later after the children were raised, Sharon and Greg traveled all over Europe and Hawaii. They loved spending every minute together.

Sharon was active in her children’s lives volunteering as a room mother, on PTA committees, and on school committees. She provided many hours of transportation for her children to participate in their activities. She loved being part of her children’s lives. She planned holidays and birthday parties all year long, making the celebrations very special. She loved spending time with her family at Pomme de Terre where she and Greg spent their summers. The grandchildren loved visiting grandma in Florida for spring break where she and Greg spent a few months each winter.

Sharon worked for the Lee’s Summit School District at Meadow Lane Elementary and Lee’s Summit Elementary as a library clerk. She said that she felt like she was contributing to the student’s education and found her career in the library very rewarding.

Sharon’s faith was deeply important to her. She was an active member of First Baptist Church in Lee’s Summit, Missouri for more than 40 years. Sharon taught Sunday school, was a youth group leader, traveled on many mission trips, served on many committees, and worked in the church library. She was a dedicated member of the choir and enjoyed singing solos as well. Sharon cherished her many close friendships with her church friends which continued until her death.

Sharon was predeceased by her parents, Edna and Lee Donovan; her brother Lee Donovan Jr.; her sister, Betty Walker; and her husband, Greg Irwin. She is survived by her children, Rebecca Leonard (Craig), Michael Irwin (Donna), and Anne Carter (Jim); her nieces Patricia Teaney and Mickey Boydston; her nephews Dick Severe and Kenneth Severe; her grandchildren Jacob Herrman, Tyler Herrman, Katie Rucinski, Emily McLouth, Chase Carter, Megan Zorich, Savannah Stitt, and Mitchell Irwin; and eleven great-grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on April 7, 2022, at First Baptist Church in Lee’s Summit, Missouri with a visitation before the service at 1:00 p.m. Private burial to follow the service.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to Lee’s Summit Social Services; The Micah Ministry (ibcckc.org); Harvesters -The Community Food Network; or the Mission Fund at First Baptist Church, Lee’s Summit, Missouri.