SHARP, Grace E. "Miss Gracie," of Richmond, Va., whose purpose in life was to take care of soldiers and veterans whom she called "her special boys," went home to meet the Lord on February 8, 2010 from the Community Living Center at McGuire Veterans Hospital. Miss Sharp was a member of Grace and Holy Trinity Episcopal Church. "Miss Gracie," as she was so lovingly called by those she served, was born on June 27, 1913 to parents, Joshua William Sharp and Elizabeth Ann Simpson Sharp. She was preceded in death by her parents; and by her brother, William H. Sharp. She is survived by one sister, Dorothy E. Sharp Hagosky; three nieces and two nephews, as well as by many deeply devoted and loving friends. Grace ministered to soldiers and veterans as a nurse for 35 years and then 30 years as a volunteer at the McGuire Veterans Medical Center. She was a captain in the Army Nurse Corps in the 40th Field Hospital during WWII. From June 1943 until November 1945, she cared for troops in Northern France, Normandy, Central Europe and Rhineland. Her decorations include the EAME Theatre Ribbon with four Bronze Battle Stars, the WWII Victory Ribbon, and four Overseas Service Bars. After the war, she continued as a military nurse in the Army Nurse Corps Reserve from 1949 until October 15, 1952. From October 16, 1952 until December 1962, she served in the AF Nurse Corps Reserve. After that, she worked at various VA hospitals from 1963 until 1978. Miss Grace's career as a volunteer at McGuire Veterans Hospital began in 1980 and ran until 2010. During this time she received multiple awards including the PVA (Paralyzed Veterans Association) Speedy Award (the highest award for non-members), the honorary member of the 82nd Air Borne Association and two times the Mildred Cummings Award for Outstanding Volunteer of the Year at McGuire Veterans Hospital. She was a member of the American Legion for 61 years, still being a member of Post #137 when she died. She is also a charter member of the Women's Memorial in Washington, D.C. Memorial services will be held on Monday, March 8, at the Hunter Holmes McGuire Veterans Affairs Medical Center Multipurpose Room at 1 p.m. The following day, Tuesday, March 9, a special service will also be held at the Veterans Cemetery at Amelia at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the PVA Mid-Atlantic Chapter at 11620 Busy St., Richmond, Va. 23236, or to American Legion Post #137, P.O. Box 74445, Richmond, Va. 23236. The family would like to express their deep appreciation to all the personnel at McGuire Veterans Hospital and especially to those in the Community Living Center (1P).
This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.
