Dr. Sharon Bannister

Dr. Sharon Age 60, of Lima, Ohio. She was born July 14, 1943 in Elmira, daughter of the late Robert and Ruth (Hyman) Bannister and passed away Saturday, March 27, 2004, in Lima, Ohio. She was predeceased by her brother, Kerry Bannister; and is survived by Twyla Wells of Lima, OH; brother and sisters-in-law, Jerry and Rose Bannister of Syracuse, NY, and Patricia Bannister of Elmira Heights; nephews, Kerry and Mark Bannister; niece, Mary Kelley; great-nephews, Patrick Kelley, Chris and Kerry Bannister; great-niece, Carolyn Bannister; great-great-nephew, Tyelar Bannister. Dr. Bannister graduated as Valedictorian from Thomas A. Edison High School. She received her Bachelor's Degree in History from the State University of New York at Albany, a Master's Degree in European History from Pennsylvania State University and an Interdisciplinary Doctoral Degree in Literature, History and Sociology from Michigan State University. She was a Full Professor of European History at the University of Findlay, Findlay, Ohio, for 30 years and was the first faculty member to be voted on the Board of Directors at Findlay. Dr. Bannister was a mentor to countless students and was honored to be included in Who's Who of American Teachers. She was awarded Professor Emeritus after her retirement at Findlay and then went on to serve in both administration and faculty at Mount Olive College, New Bern, NC, where she also created a new curriculum. She was a member of the American Association of University Professors and authored 2 books on teaching history. During her high school years, Sharon played first trumpet in the high school band and worked on drama productions. She was an excellent baseball player (played with the Pioneers during warm ups), succeeded at everything she tried, would not accept failure and was deeply loved and inspired by all who knew her. Family and friends are invited to visit Walter J. Kent Funeral Home, 858 Lake St. at Washington Ave., Elmira, on Saturday, April 3rd, from 12 noon to 2 p.m. Her funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Committal prayers and interment will follow in Maple Grove Cemetery. Those wishing may remember Sharon through donations to the American Cancer Society or the charity of one's choice.