Sharon Ann Defayette

Sharon Ann Defayette (nee LaVarnway), age 62, of Pass Christian, MS, passed away on Thursday, February 13, 2025 at Memorial Hospital in Gulfport, MS. She passed after a 14-month courageous battle with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), or Lou Gehrig’s disease, with symptoms arising a year and a half before diagnosis. She spent her last days on earth with her loving children.

Sharon was born on March 29, 1962 in Plattsburgh, NY, to Donald Henry and Rose Marie (nee Ryan) LaVarnway. She graduated from Peru Central School, NY, in 1980 and earned her NYS Cosmetology License in 1996 through Champlain Valley Educational Services in Plattsburgh, NY.

Sharon was a cherished waitress and manager at Sansone’s Restaurant in Malone, NY, and upon its closing, waitressed at Riverside Restaurant in Malone, NY. After moving to the MS Gulf Coast in 2018 to be with her children and grandchild, she briefly waitressed at Shaggy’s in Pass Christian, MS, while she established her own business. Sharon became a beloved in-home daycare provider, where she cared for her grandchildren and other treasured little ones through what was lovingly known as “Grandmacare”.

Sharon was a beautiful, amazing, and carefree woman that fiercely loved her family and friends. She was a selfless mother whose generosity knew no bounds with an infectious laugh that lit up every room she entered. Sharon was a certified cosmetologist and professional mixologist, and make-believe flight attendant. She was a sun goddess and beach bum who treasured her bikinis, loved cowboy boots and everything western, and was always up for any adventure. She was an incredible cook with cherished recipes, found joy in gardening and ceramics, and loved making memories around campfires. Sharon was the life of every party and will be greatly missed by all that knew her.

Sharon was preceded in death by her parents; step-mom, Betty LaVarnway; brother, Gary J. LaVarnway of Saranac, NY; sister, Deanna Cox of Queensbury, NY; sisters-in-law, Susan LaVarnway of Saranac, NY, and Helen ‘Eleanor’ M. LaVarnway of Plattsburgh, NY; and nephews, Greg M. LaVarnway, of Chicopee, MA, and Michael LaVarnway, of Saranac, NY.

Survivors include her children, Dr. Kelsey Ann Defayette Keel (Dr. Stephen Michael Keel) of Pass Christian, MS, and Kevin Andrew Defayette (Kaitlyn May Defayette (nee LaVoie)) of Long Beach, MS; grandchildren, Elliott Andrew Keel and Annie Stephen Keel; ex-husband, Andrew J. Defayette; brothers, Donald M. LaVarnway of Saranac, NY, Dale LaVarnway (Helen) of Keystone Heights, FL, and Greg LaVarnway of Chicopee, MA; sister, Mary Lou Kienert (Gerd) of Victor, NY; sister-in-law, Shirley Jost of Harkness, NY; brother-in-law, William Cox of Queensbury, NY; nieces, Kimberly LaRocque (Thomas), Karen Hackett (Gerard), and Stephanie Garvey (Jay); nephews, Daniel LaVarnway (Karen), Dean LaVarnway, Scott LaVarnway, Kenneth Herwerth (Brandi), Ryan LaVarnway (Ashley), Travis LaVarnway (Faith), and Justin LaVarnway (Georgia); and several great-nieces and great-nephews.

The family would like to thank the Ochsner ALS Clinic and Team Gleason in New Orleans, LA for their compassionate care and dedicated support throughout this devastating ALS journey. Special thanks to all the family and friends who have provided unwavering love, friendship, support, and laughter to Sharon throughout her life and over this challenging last year.

Please make a tribute gift in memory of Sharon Defayette in support of Team Gleason. Donate at www.teamgleason.org. Your support will allow Team Gleason to continue providing technology, equipment, adventure, and care services to people living with ALS and countless others through advocacy, support, and ultimately bringing an end to the disease.

Honoring Sharon’s wishes, a Celebration of Life, complete with fireworks, will be held at a later date. Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, 15th Street, Gulfport is honored to serve the Defayette family.