Rebecca Alford Sharp

Rebecca Alford Sharp, 88, of Johnson City, entered into the Kingdom of Heaven on Saturday, May 30, 2015, while residing at the Appalachian Christian Village. She had fought the sad disease of Alzheimer’s for many years.
Mrs. Sharp was a native of Erwin and had lived most of her life in Erwin. After her husband’s retirement from the Clinchfield Railroad, they lived in Elizabethton and then Johnson City. She was the daughter of the late Paul C. Alford and Bessie M. Alford and as the baby of seven, was preceded in death by six brothers and sisters.
She was a member of the Junior Women’s Club and Sr. Women’s Club in Erwin, during her time living there, and held several offices. She was a member of First United Methodist Church in Elizabethton, where she was in the choir and been a member of the Women’s Circle until her illness. She enjoyed reading, gardening, dancing and the joy of spending time with friends and taking care of her family.
She leaves her husband of 67 years, Jim Sharp, Appalachian Christian Village; one daughter, Judy S. Lapeza, Durham, NC; and one son, J. Kelly Sharp, Johnson City. She also leaves to cherish her memory, two grandchildren, Anne L. Catlett and husband, Richard, Midlothian, VA; along with James “Jay” W. Lapeza II, Cary, NC. She is survived by two great grandchildren, Ellyson Caide Catlett (6) and Embrey Adah Catlett (1), Midlothian, VA; along with several nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorial donations be made to First United Methodist Church, 325 East E Street, Elizabethton, TN 37643 or the Alzheimer’s Research Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011.
Due to Mr. Sharp’s present health, a Celebration of Mrs. Sharp’s life will be held at a later date with the announcement in this column at that time.
Online condolences may be shared through www.tetrickfuneralhome.com. Tetrick Funeral and Cremation Services, 3001 Peoples Street, Johnson City, TN 37604 (423) 610-7171 is serving the family.