Obituary of Margaret Irene Sharp

Margaret Irene Sharp, of McKinney, Texas, formerly of Dallas and Sulphur Springs dies May 15, 2015, at age 86. She was born July 23, 1928, to Shem Ray and Lucy Margaret Kelty Ray of Sulphur Springs. She graduated from Sulphur Springs High School and moved to Dallas in 1945. Robert Lee Sharp and she married in 1950 at St. James Catholic Church in Sulphur Springs. They raised five children in Dallas. Their fifty year marriage ended with his death in October 4, 2000. Margaret was a homemaker and had many interests notably in nature, animals, fossils, and bromeliads. She treasured the Sundays in her childhood when she and her grandfather Timothy Joseph Kelty drove out into the country. They stopped outside churches to listen to the singing. Her most memorable high school graduation present was a suitcase from Uncle Bill and Aunt Bun (William and Bernice Kelty) with a six week trip to Billings, Montana, to visit them and Yellowstone National Park. Her happiest time was when she went on day long trips with friends to rock hunt. She traveled to San Luis Potosí, Mexico, the beaches of Florida, and Big Bend National Park. Her valued friends were Lorraine McGraw, Alice Steinbaugh, Sadie Humble, and Alice Frost. Margaret had many losses in family members, her health, a long-time home, and outliving all of her dear friends. But rather than dwell on her grief and sadness, she would urge others, “Do what makes you happy and take all the trips you can while you can.” She is survived by daughter Patricia Culpepper and son-in-law Wes Culpepper of Austin; daughter Sherry Mathis; and son Robert Sharp, Jr.; fifteen grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren and several great-great grandchildren. Also she is survived by sister Billie Sue Ray and brother Shem Ray, Jr. both of Sulphur Springs; and brother Gene Ray of Oklahoma City. She is predeceased by son Christopher Ray Sharp and daughter Debra Sue Heinemann. The family of Margaret extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Stoneybrook Memory Care of McKinney and Hospice Plus of Dallas for the loving, responsive, and superlative care they have given Margaret. The staff of Stoneybrook was fond of Margaret’s authenticity and genuineness, and she became a part of the Stoneybrook family. Services at West Oaks Funeral Home, 500 S. Hillcrest Drive, Sulphur Springs. Vigil visitation Friday, May 22, 7-9 PM. Funeral service Saturday, May 23, 2 PM. Internment afterwards in the Kelty family plot at the Sulphur Springs City Cemetery. Deacon Jerry Besze officiating.