Obituary of Gwendolyn Sharpe

CAYCE—Gwendolyn Tindal Sharpe, 73, of Cayce, was blessed to meet her Lord and Savior in Heaven. A Homegoing Service and celebration of her life will be held at 3:00 p.m. Monday, May 28, 2012 at Platt Springs United Methodist Church in West Columbia, SC. A private burial will follow at Fort Jackson National Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1-2:30 p.m. prior to the service in the church fellowship hall. Born January 8, 1939 to the late Cleo Clemson and Ellen Motley Tindal in Lexington County, SC. After a long, courageous battle with Peritoneal Cancer, Gwen peacefully passed away on Friday, May 25, 2012 surrounded by her loving family. Gwen is survived by her husband of 57 years, Daniel Furman Sharpe; her children, Sharon Sharpe Ellisor (David), John Daniel Sharpe (Venetia), Christopher Alan Sharpe and Brian Joseph Sharpe (Gale); her grandchildren, Mallory Anne Sharpe Hartgrove (Shawn), Heather Gwendolyn Ellisor, Eric Clayton Ellisor, Sawyer Alexander Sharpe and her three precious great-grandchildren, Orion Alexander Hartgrove, Raiden Camille Hartgrove and Jillian Tatyana Ellisor. She is also survived by her brother, Danny Cleo Tindal (Darlene) of Spokane, WA; sisters-in-law, Juanita Tindal and Brenda Tindal of Pelion, SC; brother-in-law, Wilbern Sharpe (Katherine) of Cleburne, TX; special adopted family, Lester and Jean Waldrup, Suzette Jones, Teresa Mazloom; many Aunts, Uncles, nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brothers, Claude Baron Tindal and Carroll David Tindal, her special adopted sister, Evelyn Jones and her mother and father-in-law, Laura and John Sharpe. An active, beloved and dedicated member of Platt Springs United Methodist Church since 1955, Gwen had taught 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade Sunday School anytime they were stationed at home and continuously since 1974 and was now teaching her 2nd generation of PSUMC members. She was the first Girl Scout Leader for the Platt Springs Girl Scout Troop, was a member and past president of the Celima Stokes Circle, and member and past Woman of the Year for the United Methodist Women. She was an ardent supporter of Killingsworth and Epworth Children's Home. As a proud military wife, she enjoyed their travels around the world. Upon their military retirement they settled back in Cayce in 1974. Gwen retired from Dorn VA Medical Center and was the current President of the National Association of Retired Federal Employees. (NARFE) Columbia Chapter, and was past president of Dorn Spirited Speakers Toastmasters Chapter. Gwen enjoyed traveling, reading, needlework and most especially working with children. She will be remembered as a very gracious, patient, kind and generous gentle lady with high integrity. Her friendly and loving nature was evident to all who crossed her path. She will be sorely missed by her family, friends and church. We extend a huge Thank You to the many friends and family who have provided love, support and prayers during this long journey. We would like to add our thanks to hers to Rev. Rebecca Shirley and Rev. Thom Jones for their special friendship, counsel, prayers and shoulders during this time. You were a great comfort to her and continue to be for all of us. The family also extends our heartfelt gratitude for the tender care given to her from Dr. S. Terry Smith at South Carolina Oncology Associates. We know we had her with us much longer thanks to you and your wonderful staff, especially nurses Kathy and Mary in Chemo. We also thank Dr. Tisha Boston at Senior Primary Care for her willingness to spend the time to listen as well as to provide healthcare. A special thanks to the wonderful nursing staff at 11 W. Palmetto Health Richland for your kindness and professionalism during our most stressful times. In lieu of flowers, we request that memorials be sent to Platt Springs United Methodist Church, where a Memorial fund has been established in her name.