Mildred Parks Sharpe

Era Mildred Parks Sharpe passed away peacefully Wednesday, April 23, 2025, surrounded by her family. She was born in Chickalah, Arkansas to Lewis Granville Parks and Della Ona Tillman Parks. Mildred was a Rosie the Riveter in Roswell, New Mexico in 1943. She wielded her welder as easily as her tube of lipstick; there she met her future husband, the devastatingly handsome Carl E. Sharpe. Carl and Mildred were married in Roswell, New Mexico and later moved to Carl’s hometown, Burlington, NC. Mildred was proceeded in death by Carl in 1983 after 40 years of devoted marriage.

Mildred was a classic beauty and loved making others look and feel their best. She owned her own business and retired from her beauty shop in 1983. Mildred was the epitome of class, elegance and grace. She was a true Southern Belle - beautiful, elegant, fashionable, and charming with a touch of sass thrown in. She never went without her hair done and lipstick, even for a day spent at home.

Mildred was also an accomplished seamstress and lovingly made many articles of clothing for her family. She also quilted and passed her love of sewing and creating to her daughters and granddaughters.

Mildred loved her Lord and demonstrated His love daily. She was a faithful member of St. Marks Church for 80 years and enjoyed her church groups, especially her Senior group with Pastor Ben.

Mildred was a cherished sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and great-great grandmother. She was proceeded in death by her brothers, Rufus, Lewis, Everett, Richard, and Jack Parks, sister Lillian Dees, son Alton Sharpe and son in law Terry Zachary. She is survived by her sister Johnnie Sue Parks of Clayton, OK, two daughters, Sherian Sharpe Walker, husband Eddie, and Paula Sharpe Zachary, all of Burlington, NC, two granddaughters, Gina Bledsole and husband Mike of Whitsett, NC and Carla Waldron and husband John of Kannapolis, NC, one grandson Taylor Zachary and wife Alyssa of Wake Forest, NC, four great grandsons, Josh Waldron and wife Kimberly of Burlington, NC, Blake Bledsole and wife Amber of Burlington, NC, Luke Waldron of Huntersville, NC, and Seth Waldron and wife Bayleigh of Durham, NC; one great granddaughter, Delilah Zachary and Two great-great grandsons Brexton Waldron and Boone Waldron, two great-great granddaughters Ellee Bledsole and Evelyn Bledsole, all of Burlington, NC, one step great granddaughter, Leann Payne and husband Drew of McLeansville, NC, two step great-great granddaughters, Emma Payne and Abby Payne of McLeansville, NC and two precious babies on the way, baby boy Waldron and baby boy Bledsole. Mildred also leaves many nieces and nephews and friends.

The family wishes to publicly acknowledge the dedication and compassionate care provided by our hospice nurses and care givers. Memorials may be made to Authoracare Collective Hospice, 914 Chapel Hill Road, Burlington, NC 27215

The funeral will be held on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at 2:00PM at St Marks Church located at St. Marks Church Rd, Burlington, NC by Rev. Bob Disher and Rev. Ben Bishop. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 12:45-1:45PM prior to the service at the church and other times at the home located at 4129 Shepherd Drive in Burlington.