Sharon Jeannette Lowes

In Loving Memory of Sharon Jeannette (Barkley) Lowes

Sharon Jeannette (Barkley) Lowes passed away peacefully on May 16, 2025, after a battle with cancer. She was surrounded by her family until the very end. Through it all, Sharon maintained her kindness, grace, compassion, and a love so strong for her family and friends.

Sharon was born on October 3, 1940 in Decatur, Illinois. She will be put to rest in Mount Zion, Illinois with her parents and 4 generations of family. Sharon was a beloved daughter, sister, wife, Mom, Mother-in-law, Grandma, Great-Grandma, cousin, and friend. She passed away leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and a life well-lived. She was a woman of many roles and even more heart, touching the lives of all who knew her. There was not a person that she met that didn't come to adore her.

Sharon earned her Master's Degree in Education and went on to be an elementary school teacher in the Clark County School District. She touched the lives of many throughout the years and had a passion for helping others learn and grow while making a difference in their lives. Even two of Sharon's grandchildren were fortunate enough to have her as their teacher. Her creative spirit also showed through in her love for scrapbooking and making t-shirts when she once owned a silk-screening company. After retiring from teaching, many knew her fondly as the "Hallmark Lady" - always ready with a card, a kind word, or a perfectly chosen gift.

Her signature phrases - "Oh Uh Huh," "Ya Vough", and "Love You Bunches" - will echo in the hearts of those who loved her, each one a reminder of her unique charm and humor. She had a deep love for family history and passionately shared that history with her kids and grandkids. Sharon could always be found with a good book nearby, and she wasn't afraid to try her luck at a video poker machine now and then.

Sharon was kind and generous, full of life, and vim and vinegar - a spirited woman with a warm heart and a spark in her soul. Her presence made every gathering brighter and every day better.

She is survived by her devoted children John Lowes and Melanie (Lowes) Kenn, cherished grandchildren, Lindsay (Everhart) Mims, Erika (Everhart) Robinson and Ryan Lowes, and adored great-grandchildren, Greyson Mims, Adelynne Mims, Blake Mims and Maverick Robinson, along with countless friends and extended family who will miss her dearly. Although Sharon may have departed this world, her legacy of love and compassion will endure forever. Sharon's light will continue to shine in the memories and stories shared by those she loved and who loved her. She will be greatly missed, but her spirit lives on in every smile, every laugh, and every "love you bunches" uttered in her honor.