It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, Sharon Lee Black, who passed away on July 27, 2026.
To us, she was simply the best mom in the world.
Words will never fully express the depth of the loss we feel, but they also cannot capture how incredibly blessed we were to have her. Sharon gave her love freely and completely. Every lesson she taught, every laugh she shared, every hug she gave, and every sacrifice she made shaped the lives of those fortunate enough to know her. Her unwavering love remained constant until her very last day.
Sharon was born on February 25, 1949, and throughout her life became known for her incredible generosity, unwavering kindness, and selfless heart. She was the kind of person who never said no when someone needed help. Her home was always open, her table always had room for one more, and no one ever left empty-handed. Whether it was a warm meal, fresh baked treats, a cup of coffee, a thoughtful gift, or even a tube of lip gloss tucked into someone's hand, she found joy in making others feel loved. Giving wasn't something she did—it was simply who she was.
On April 18, 1975, Sharon married Lawrence Fred Black Jr. in Cannon Beach, Oregon. While life took them on different paths over the years, they remained connected by the family they created together and the love they shared for their children. Following Lawrence's passing, Sharon carried his memory with her, and their bond remained an important part of her story. Together, they were blessed with six children, who became the greatest joy and purpose of her life.
Sharon was a devoted mother to her six children: Charissa, Lawrence, Andrew, Davin, Sharyl, and Alvin, and lovingly welcomed daughter-in-law Tiffany and son-in-law Terry into her family. Nothing brought her greater pride than the family she loved so deeply. She adored her 13 grandchildren—Alexia, Ariana, Lilyana, Samantha, Alejandra, Briana, Alvin Jr., Sterling, Rylee, Taevin, Kobe, Serenity, and Casey—who were the light of her life. Each one held a special place in her heart, and she cherished every moment she spent with them. They will forever carry with them the unconditional love, encouragement, warmth, and kindness that only Grandma could give.
She is also lovingly remembered by her siblings: Melroy "Bud" Brace, Claire "Pet" Brace, Pearl "Sissie" Munsen, and Clarence "Sonny" Brace.
For nearly 30 years, Sharon dedicated her career to caring for children. She worked with students at the high school before finding her true calling at Great and Small Childcare, where
she lovingly cared for infants through her patient hands and nurturing heart. To the families whose children were blessed to be in her care, she became much more than a childcare provider—she became another mom. Countless families remember Sharon's gentle spirit, comforting embrace, encouraging words, and the genuine love she poured into every child entrusted to her.
No matter where she went, it seemed someone would smile and call out, "Miss Sharon!" They remembered her from the childcare center and would excitedly tell her she had cared for them or their children years before. Those moments were a beautiful testament to the lasting impact she made. She helped raise generations of children, and many grew up remembering her as someone who made them feel safe, valued, and deeply loved. The love she gave so freely was returned many times over, and her legacy lives on in the hearts of the countless children and families she touched.
Sharon found happiness in life's simple pleasures. She loved tending to her garden, baking for family and friends, and creating a home where everyone felt welcome. She found joy in sharing what she had, whether it was a delicious dessert, flowers from her garden, or simply a place where people knew they belonged.
This past year brought an unexpected source of comfort and companionship when she welcomed her little dog, Elvis, into her heart after the loss of her beloved Lola. Elvis quickly became her constant companion and brought her endless smiles.
To know Sharon was to experience unconditional love. She had an extraordinary gift for making people feel seen, welcomed, and valued. Family gatherings were her favorite place to be, and she delighted in bringing everyone together to celebrate life's milestones, holidays, birthdays, and simple Sunday afternoons. Her home wasn't just a house—it was the heart of our family. It was where memories were made, traditions were born, laughter echoed through every room, and everyone knew they were welcome.
Her legacy is not measured by the things she owned, but by the countless lives she touched through her compassion, generosity, and endless love. Whether you knew her as Mom, Grandma, Sister, Aunt, friend, coworker, or as the woman who lovingly cared for your child, you knew someone whose greatest joy was making others feel loved.
Although our hearts are broken, we find comfort knowing that her love lives on—in every family gathering, every act of kindness, every recipe passed down, every flower that blooms, every child who still remembers "Miss Sharon," and in each of us who were blessed enough to know her.
We will miss her more than words can ever say, but we are forever grateful for every moment we shared. We will honor her by striving to love others the way she loved us—with open hearts, open doors, and boundless generosity.
Until we meet again, Mom, thank you for every hug, every sacrifice, every lesson, every laugh, and every memory. Thank you for teaching us what unconditional love looks like and for showing us, every day, how to put others before ourselves. We were truly blessed to have you, and your love will remain with us forever.
You will always and forever be in our hearts.
Forever our Mom. Forever our Grandma. Forever our Miss Sharon.
