Sharon A. Smith

Sharon (Adams) Smith August 22, 1948 – January 20, 2026
Sharon (Adams) Smith, 77, of Waterford, Michigan, passed away on Tuesday, January 20, 2026.
Born in Shreveport, Louisiana, on August 22, 1948, to the late Howard "Jack" and Onedia (Leatherwood) Adams, Sharon experienced many places and cultures in her childhood as part of an Air Force family. She attended high school in Biloxi, Mississippi, and graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi.
Sharon dedicated much of her life to education as a school teacher, shaping the minds of countless students. She also loved to travel and channeled her adventurous spirit into a career as a travel agent. Working in an era before the internet made travel accessible to all, she relied on her expertise and passion to personally craft itineraries and lead tour groups abroad. It was through this work that she met Stephen Smith. They were married in Auburn, New York, on July 25, 1986, beginning a loving partnership that spanned nearly 40 years.
Her compassion extended to animals, and she rescued many Scottish and West Highland Terriers over the years. A woman of faith and community, Sharon was also an active member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Waterford. She found fulfillment in serving others, particularly by organizing charity drives to support local families in need.
Sharon's greatest joy, however, was her family. She is survived by her devoted husband, Stephen Smith of Waterford, MI; and her children: Kelly (John) Petro of Irondequoit, NY; Steve (Kerin) Smith of Allen, TX; and Michael (Jessica) Smith of Howell, MI.
She was the cherished 'Grammy' of nine grandchildren who were the light of her life: Charlie and Sophia Petro; Sean, Ryan, Iain, and Owen Smith; and Clara, Henry, and Adeline Smith.
She is also survived by her brother, David (Melinda) Adams of Richmond, VA, and many loving nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, Howard "Jack" and Onedia (Leatherwood) Adams, she was predeceased by her brother, Daniel Adams.
Service Information: A memorial service to celebrate Sharon's life is being planned for the spring. Details are to be determined and will be updated here once scheduled.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Trinity United Methodist Church or a local animal rescue of your choice in Sharon's memory.