Ann Elizabeth Gotschall Sharp

1950 - 2018

Ann Elizabeth Gotschall Sharp

Cordova, TN

Ann Elizabeth (Gotschall) Sharp, 67, died peacefully at her home in Cordova, TN on June 9, 2018 after enduring the past two years with pancreatic cancer. Her family was at her bedside.

Ann was a devoted mother and wife. Her husband, Ed, and son, Charles will eternally cherish her loving voice in their hearts. Over the years, Ann helped many in her role as a school psychologist, and she brought joy and laughter to many more in her starring roles as a leading lady and singer in the Memphis theater community.

Born outside Washington D.C. in 1950 to Gerald Edward and Laura Jane Auld Gotschall, Ann's family moved to New Orleans when her father was reassigned as an FBI Special Agent. She graduated from Covington High School as a distinguished student, cheerleader and accomplished actress and singer in musical theater.

Ann moved to Memphis in 1968 to attend Rhodes College (then Southwestern) as a music and organ major where she met C Edward Sharp, her husband of 48 years.

Ann graduated in two and a half years and began work as a school psychologist following the historic integration of Memphis City Schools. She would later go on to get her Masters in Psychology from University of Memphis. Ann's career spanned nearly five decades, dealing with important issues from race relations and ensuring safe, drug-free schools to diagnosing autism and special needs.

She brought poise and grace to her starring roles as a leading lady and singer in 45 productions with Theatre Memphis, and to her countless other performances with Rhodes College McCoy, Circuit Playhouse and Playhouse On the Square. Ann also sang with the Rhodes College Master singers and Bartlett United Methodist Church, St Paul, and Christ United Methodist Church choirs. A few of Ann's most memorable roles were in productions of Sweeney Todd, Promises, Promises; Mame; Hello, Dolly! The Boys from Syracuse; Kiss Me, Kate; The King and I; The Music Man; Into the Woods and Follies. She also appeared in every annual benefit concert for her beloved Rhodes College from 1986 to 1997.

Along with husband Edward of Cordova, TN, Ann is survived by son, Charles Edward III of Venice, CA. She will be missed by her brothers and their families: The Bob Gotschall (d.) family of Houston, TX, Decatur, GA, and Tucson, AZ, the Dave Gotschall family of Houston, Magnolia and Chester, TX and Greenwich, CT and the Glenn Gotschall family of Houston, TX as well as many beloved relatives throughout the U.S.

Ann added so much to the lives around her. Her special kindness will be remembered and revered by her countless close friends in the theater community and elsewhere; she held each friendship as dear as the next.

Ann Sharp's Memorial / Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, July 7 at 1:30 pm at Seabrook Hall, Christ United Methodist Church, 4488 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN 38117. Donations to Theatre Memphis (www.theatrememphis.org / 901.682.8601) may be made in her honor in lieu of flowers.