Julie Sharp

Julia Ann Potter Sharp, age 91, of Rockton, IL passed away peacefully with family by her side at Javon Bea Hospital in Rockford on Tuesday, May 21, 2024. Julie was born to Everett Charles Potter and Hazle Aimee Boomer on May 17, 1933 in Rockford, IL. She attended Durand High School and graduated from Winnebago. She married Jack Allan Sharp on November 17, 1951 at the Old Stone Church in Rockton, IL. They settled into many years of farming together in Shirland, IL and Brodhead, WI.
Community service was important to Julie. She served on the Shirland School Board for over 17 years. She was a long-time member of the Shirland United Methodist Church where she belonged to a Circle Group, organized many church dinners, and holiday bazaars. Also a skilled seamstress, she made numerous quilts for friends and family and helped organize the annual church raffle quilt. She used her creative talents as a 4-H leader writing, organizing, and directing many Share the Fun skits. Julie had a passion for bridge and her bridge friends. They played together for over 50 years. Within the family, she was known as a card-shark competing at games of 500 and Spades. Active and outgoing, later in life she took up golf and joined a Red Hat club. An accomplished baker, Julie is famous for her pies. Julie loved to travel whether it was a short jaunt to a local casino or overseas. One of her favorite trips was to the Atlanta Olympics with daughter Joanna. Over the years, she shared her love of reading with her children and grandchildren. She eagerly attended the many sporting and music events of both her children and grandchildren. And, she loved FaceTiming with the great-granddaughters that live "across the pond." You could always find Julie welcoming friends and family at her kitchen table ready for good conversation and a game of cards.
The family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to Medina Nursing Center and Javon Bea Hospital-Riverside for the loving care given to Mom.
Survivors include daughter, Amy (Brian) Baxter of Lincoln, NE; daughter, Rebecca Sharp of Monticello, IA; son, J. Allan (Arielle) Sharp of Winnebago, IL, son Joel (Kim) Sharp of Davis, IL; daughter Joanna Sharp (Rachel McMahon) of Rochelle, IL; daughter Jeanne Sharp Washko of South Beloit, IL. Grandchildren Miranda Baxter, Leigh (Chancey) Hill, Andrew (Amanda) Baxter, Joseph Sharp, Melissa Johnson, Nate (Kara) Sharp, Tyler (Jazlyn) Sharp, Samantha Sharp, Sydney Scordato, Jack Washko; Great-grandchildren: Severin Baxter-Moynihan, Inez Baxter-Moynihan, Jacob Hill, Lilly Hill, Addison Prokop, Emalyn Sharp, Josephine Sharp, Chloe Sharp, Logan Johnson, Aria Johnson, Garrett Johnson; sister Karen Valentine and brother Everett Warren Potter.
She was preceded in death by her parents and husband.
Please send memorials to the Shirland Methodist Church.
Per Julie's wishes, there will be no funeral ceremony or visitation. Burial of cremation remains will be at the Shirland Township Cemetery.
We invite all who knew Julie to share your memories and photos on her memorial page through McCorkle Funeral Home.