Sharon D. Gary

Sharon D. Gary, of Memphis, TN went to be with her Heavenly Father July 16, 2024, a month after turning 73 years young. She fought valiantly and gracefully against the aggressive neuroendocrinal cancer diagnosed in February 2024. She often said she was not afraid of death, and knew when her purpose in life was fulfilled, she was ready to accept that her service on Earth was done. Even so, she was determined to live each day with meaning and enjoyed many loved ones visiting for several weeks at Baptist Reynolds Hospice House. Sharon was preceded in death by her parents and siblings, and survived by extended family members and a host of dear friends she considered family as well. Sharon was born in Decatur, Texas, but spent most of her childhood in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. She was a life-long learner and lover of education, being valedictorian of the Dollarway High School class of 1969, graduating with honors from the University of Central Arkansas in '73, completing her Master of Science degree at University of Memphis in Clinical Psychology in '75 and continuing in the same field at the doctoral level from '76-'77. Sharon supported herself through college working various jobs and practicing her clinical skills at Northeast Community Mental Health Group, training in behavior management, child development, foster care programs and completed clinical internships at Western State Psychiatric Hospital and Tennessee State Psychiatric Institute. After completing her degrees, she also interned and worked for several years consulting, evaluating and conducting therapy with high-risk children at the Attachment Center in Evergreen, Colorado. Her expertise in working with children was recognized nationally, particularly with those struggling with attachment and bonding in adoptive and foster care situations. Sharon dedicated her life and work to her passion of helping those in need in residential facilities, the school system and private practice settings, mostly in the Memphis area. She opened Psychological Services of Memphis in 1979 and maintained this private practice to present day even while she worked in other settings. She worked as a Senior Psychological Examiner, licensed in both Tennessee and Arkansas, providing therapy, contracting with the public school system performing intellectually gifted evaluations beginning in 1985 and then working full-time as a School Psychologist with Shelby County Schools and Memphis Shelby County Schools from 2004 – 2020. After retiring from the school system, she continued contracting with school districts and the Palmer House for psychological assessments, as well as working with state of Tennessee performing consultative evaluations for persons with disabilities. Outside of work, Sharon was also extremely active in the Memphis community as an advocate for women and children. In early adult years, she was an avid soccer player in many Memphis area leagues and even marched with Gloria Steinem for women's rights in the 70's. If Sharon had faith in a cause, she put her beliefs into actions as best she could. She served many community roles including President of the Zonta Club of Memphis, consultant to the Tennessee Juvenile Justice Commission, West Tennessee AGAPE and Child Abuse Review team through the Department of Human Services. In her spare time, Sharon enjoyed playing bridge, earning the accomplished level of Ruby Life Master Bridge player, traveling, spending time with friends and family, hosting game nights, reading books (often 3 at once), building her home library of books to 500+, and being active in her beloved Unity Church of Practical Christianity. She was dedicated to supporting a variety of charities to promote proper treatment of all people and animals. Her heart for others and love of life truly knew no boundaries. Sharon lived to share love, light and peace with all she encountered. She was a treasured friend, mentor and genuine role model of strength and faithfulness living by the "Golden Rule" to all fortunate to share part of her life.

All are invited to honor and remember Sharon August 31, 2024, at 1:00 with her Celebration Of Life at Unity Church of Practical Christianity, 9228 Walnut Grove, Cordova, TN 38018. Refreshments will be offered after the celebration for fellowship and sharing memories. For those unable to attend in person, the service will be live-streamed and available for 30 days afterwards on the church website.

Sharon supported so many causes and charities, and in honorarium and alignment with her wishes, contributions may be made to Unity Church of Practical Christianity (address above), the Zonta Club of Memphis (P.O. Box 772103, Memphis, TN 38177), and Tiger Haven (327 Harvey Road, Kingston, TN 37763).

Online obituary and guestbook are available at www.memorialparkfuneralandcemetary.com and also in The Daily Memphian.