Linda Miller Sharp

 

Linda Miller Sharp, age 74, of Gulfport, MS, passed away on Saturday, October 28, 2023.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Harold Miller, Sr., and Martha Miller; and her brother, Harold “Hal” Miller.

Linda is survived by her children, Myles Sharp (Daria) and Robert “Heath” Sharp; her siblings, Lisa Moffett (Robert), Robert Rockco (Connie), Glenn Miller (Pam) and Carolyn Turner; her grandchildren, Ella Sharp, Mia Sharp, Miller Sharp and Jacob Perkins. 

Linda was a well-known and accomplished singer on the Mississippi Gulf Coast beginning in her teens.  Even at a young age, Linda's talent was matched by her command of the stage and her sense of style that made women and young girls emulate her.  Once, just before performing for an event in downtown Gulfport, Linda went into the adjacent department store and bought a quirky hat to wear on stage.  By the end of her performance, the store had sold completely out of the hats.   

While still in her teens, Linda was already selling out shows at such hot spots as Gus Stevens' Supper Club, despite not even being old enough to be there.  She was just that good.  After the birth of her two sons, she walked away from music to focus on raising her two boys.  She worked multiple odd jobs, in addition to doing commissioned artwork for locals and some national businesses, and she worked on a series of portraits of her favorite actors and musicians, with plans to place them in calendar.  Linda and her art were featured on local news programs and her art could be seen in homes and businesses along the coast.   

Once her sons were old enough, Linda went back to college in hopes of making a better life for her and her sons. After earning her degree in drafting, her career took her from the gulf coast of Mississippi to Florida, before eventually returning to Gulfport where she finished her career with Wink Engineering in Biloxi.  After retiring, she remained in Gulfport, where she rediscovered her love for art, and enjoyed spending time with her siblings, sons and her grandchildren.

Although Linda never returned to music, even as a hobby, music very much remained a part of her life as she loved watching both of her sons who are musicians, and especially her two granddaughters.  Linda jokingly took a lot of credit for her granddaughters' musical talent, as she saw a lot of herself in them.  She wasn't wrong.  

Linda lived exactly the life she wanted to live and will be deeply missed by everyone who knew her.  

A celebration of her life will be announced at a later date.

Riemann Family Funeral Home, Gulfport, is serving the family. Please visit www.riemannfamily.com where memories and photos may be shared.