Sharis Smith Blackburn

1931 - 2016

Sharis Smith Blackburn

Memphis, TN

Sharis Smith Blackburn, 85, of Memphis, Tennessee passed away Sunday night on October 30, 2016.

Sharis graduated from Wynne High School and attended William Woods College where she served as President of the Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA). Here, Sharis met her future husband, Gerald Blackburn, who was attending Westminster College and the couple married in 1952. Sharis completed her degree in Education and Gerald received his law degree at the University of Missouri and they eventually settled in Wynne, Arkansas to raise three children. Memphis was their final destination and together they celebrated 59 years of marriage until Gerald's death in 2012.

Sharis was gifted in Pastoral Counseling, investing much of her time in restoration ministries through Central Church, and various other ministries. Her love for people, and life made her an exuberant force for positive change in everyone and everything she touched. Sharis was also part of Mission Possible, which brought hope to impoverished people living in Haiti.

Sharis had a fierce love for tennis, fishing, and the great outdoors. All who knew her will remember her as their "beloved" Sharis.

Sharis leaves behind one daughter, Teresa Blackburn Phipps and husband Larry, sons George L. Blackburn, and Neal Blackburn and wife Patty. In addition, five grandchildren are blessed to carry on Sharis's legacy. They are Jason Blackburn, Melonie Mulkey Martinez and husband Angelo, Lowell-Martin Mulkey, Ashley Blackburn Beck, Chelsea Blackburn Cohen and husband Jacob. Sharis and Gerald also have one great-grandchild, Jayce Beck.

A memorial service will be held at 11:30 a.m. Friday, November 4 at Memorial Park Funeral Home with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, please send your donations to St. Jude Hospital, The Church Health Center of Memphis, or a charitable cause of your choice.