Sharon W. Reichel

Sharon W. Reichel, 80, passed away August 8, 2025, in Silver Spring, MD. She was devoted to her family, a talented educator, and a lifelong singer who lived in Rome for more than 30 years.

Born Feb. 16, 1945, Sharon was the eldest daughter of the late Rev. Martin Werfelmann and Lois Werfelmann. She earned her B. A. from Valparaiso University, her Master's from the University of Mississippi, and her Ed.S. Degree from Berry College.

Sharon instructed hundreds of students in French and other subjects as a teacher at West Rome High School, Rome High School, Rome Middle School, Shorter College, and Berry College. She was a passionate singer, who for years directed the choir at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church and sang with both the Rome-Symphony Orchestra chorale and Three Rivers Singers. She volunteered with several organizations that fed the hungry, including local food pantries in Floyd County. Later in life, she became an avid swimmer, logging hundreds of miles in the Berry pool. Above all, Sharon dedicated herself to her family, especially her children, whom she raised in Rome. She rejoiced in being a full-time grandmother and spent her last decade of life in Maryland, close to her children and grandchildren.

Sharon was preceded in death by her husband of 40 years, Rev. Dr. Charles Reichel. Survivors include: one son Carsten Reichel, and his wife, Sarah Zinn, Silver Spring, MD and their children Norah Reichel and Edward "Teddy" Reichel; two daughters, Cara Reichel, and her husband, Peter Mills, New York, NY, and Carlyn Reichel, Washington, D.C.; and one sister, Elaine Werfelmann, Danville, CA.

A memorial will be planned this fall in Maryland and will be livestreamed. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions designated in Sharon's memory to: Northwest Georgia Hunger Ministries and The Three Rivers Singers.