Sharon Morrisette

LONGVIEW - Sharon Jane Morrisette, B.S. Ed, M.S., CAD, 76, of Longview passed away Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025, at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

Born Oct. 6, 1948, in Chillicothe, Sharon lived a life devoted to love, family, learning and service.

For 56 years, she shared a joyful marriage with her husband, Fred, building a partnership rooted in family, friendship and faith. Together, they raised two daughters, Lahn and Lisa Jane, of whom Sharon was immensely proud. She was a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, teacher and friend - loved deeply by all who knew her. Sharon will be remembered not only for her wisdom and encouragement, but also for her boundless kindness, compassionate heart, engaging smile, and infectious laugh that brought warmth to every room she entered.

Teaching was Sharon's true calling. For more than three decades in the classroom, she inspired students in science, English and social studies, instilling curiosity and confidence in young minds. Even after retiring from Unit Seven Schools in Tolono, she pressed forward with her own education, earning her master's degree and pursuing a Ph.D. in her 60s. She taught and mentored student teachers in the classroom at the University of Illinois, influenced the curriculum, and, later, following her full retirement, she returned to the classroom as a substitute teacher at Tolono Junior High, always reminding those around her that learning never ends.

Her impact extended far beyond the classroom. Sharon was active in her church, community and book clubs. She deeply cherished her "Mary Poppins" group of lifelong friends from the Fischer movie theater in Danville. She lived her life with compassion and perseverance, showing by example that true education is about shaping lives with love.

Through the gift of organ donation, Sharon continues her lifelong lesson in caring for others. Just as she nurtured generations of students and gave of herself to her family and community, she now offers the gift of life and healing to others in need.

She is survived by her husband, Fred Morrisette of Longview; daughters, Lahn Henn and husband Andrew of Fayetteville, N.C., and Lisa Jane Morrisette of La Mesa, Calif., and husband Jon Zapp of Carbondale; grandchildren, Jordan Neill and wife Sierra and their children, Lincoln, Britton and Callum of Brocton, Jacob Neill and wife Cailynne and their children, Finley and Sutton of Hume, and Madison Henn of Marshall; siblings, Kai Lynch and husband Dale of Chesapeake, Va., Scott Richey and wife Linda of Rossville, Ind., and Cindy Anderson and husband Jim of Lafayette, Ind.; as well as her beloved nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Marilyn Richey.

A celebration of Sharon's life will be held on Saturday, Sept. 13. Visitation will be from 2 to 5 p.m., with the funeral service following, at the Villa Grove United Methodist Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Villa Grove United Methodist Church.

Sharon's story reminds us all that one life lived with purpose, kindness and love can change the world in ways that never end.