Sharon Denise Turner Wilkins, 61, of North Little Rock, formerly of Warren, passed away July 12, 2024. Born December 24, 1962, to Houston Marshall and the late Freddie Mae Marshall. Sharon lived a life filled with love, faith and service to others.
Sharon’s journey began in Warren, Arkansas, where she was an active member of St. James AME Church, singing in the church choir and serving her community. A proud Warren Lumberjack, she graduated in 1981 after distinguishing herself as a track star and cheerleader.
Sharon continued to break barriers at the University of Arkansas at Monticello, where she became one of the first black cheerleaders. During her college years, she pledged Zeta Phi Beta (Kappa Eta) Sorority Incorporated, an affiliation she cherished throughout her life. It was also at the university where she met her college sweetheart, who would become her husband and father of her three beloved children.
Known for her genuine and loving nature, Sharon touched lives in every city she called home. She had a gift for friendship and was always there for those in need. She dedicated her career to helping others, working at the Human Development Center in Warren, AR, as well as Benchmark Human Services in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and St. Louis, Missouri. Her work with these respected organizations in the fields of intellectual and developmental disabilities and behavioral health was truly her calling.
Sharon leaves behind a legacy of love through her “Roses of Sharon”, her favorite oldest daughter, Candi Marshall, her favorite son, Jerami Wilkins, her favorite youngest daughter, Kristal Wilkins; grandchildren, Tylar Marshall, J’Son Wilkins, Logan Daniels, Addison Wilkins, Amiyah Wilkins; fathers, Houston Marshall, Sylvester Newton; siblings, Michael Anthony Marshall, Lisa Quinn; favorite aunt and uncle, Alanda Rogers, Timothy Colclough; a host of other relatives and friends.
Funeral service was held July 27 at St. James AME Church in Warren. Burial was in Union Cemetery, Warren. Arrangements by Hammons Funeral Home.
