Sharon Rook

Thelma "Sharon" Rook, 83, of Ash Flat, passed from this life on Friday, July 18, 2025. She was born on December 13, 1941, in Wyandotte, Michigan, to the late Bob and Maybelle Jones. Sharon was of the Christian faith and a lifelong advocate for education and family. She earned her master's degree in Special Education from Arkansas State University and devoted her career to teaching, retiring from the Pulaski County Public School System after also serving in several other districts. Sharon's dedication to her students left a lasting impact on countless lives. Outside the classroom, Sharon cherished time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was an avid reader-often juggling three books at once-and enjoyed crafting in her spare time. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Talmage Rook Jr.; her sisters, Jeanette Lindsey and Katy Jones; and her brothers, Joe Jones and Robert Jones. She is survived by her sons, Tim Rook (Glenda) and Tony Rook (Heather); her sister, Donna Kay Kirby; grandchildren, Michael Rook (Anna), Austin Rook (fiancée Felicia Moore), Erica Jo Rook, Walker Rook (fiancée Faith Pittser), Tara Yates (Jarred), Clayton Starken, and Ben Sanders; and great-grandchildren, Kingston, Riggs, Jayce, Jacob, Paisley, Ryland, Ryleigh, Luka, and Amelia. Visitation will be held from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at Emerson Funeral Home. A funeral service will follow at 2:00 p.m., with Tony Miller officiating and the eulogy by Glenda Hosman Rook. Burial will take place at Strawfloor Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Michael Rook, Austin Rook, Walker Rook, Ben Sanders, Jarred Yates, and Clayton Starken. Sharon's legacy of love, learning, and laughter will continue to live on through the many lives she touched.