Barbara J. Sharp

On January 13, 2023 Barbara Jean Sharp passed away at the age of 78. She was known as Barby to her friends, Barby Jean to John her husband and Mema to her four grandkids. Barby was born on June 13, 1944, in Temple, TX to Virginia and William Cunningham and grew up in Pickneyville, Illinois. She developed a very close relationship with her grandmother, Big Mom, which provided her with love, companionship and chicken dumplings. She graduated from Southern Illinois University with a degree in Early Childhood Education then moved to Central Florida where she taught elementary school, then met John, and had two children, Jacki and John, Jr. (John John). Barby really enjoyed both teaching and raising children, especially when they were “seen and not heard.” Whether in the classroom or at home, to say discipline and proper etiquette were important to Barby is an understatement. She taught that a firm handshake while looking someone in the eye, being grateful and writing thank you notes were vital to being a successful human. Their children’s success today is a testament to her values. After Barby’s teaching career she went on to earn two Master's degrees while staying at home to raise her children. Education and family were two constants in her life along with her love for animals. Through the course of her life Barby had 18 dogs, 6 cats and some farm animals…rabbits, a sheep, a goat and a rooster. Since she had many of these animals within the city limits, she got to meet the City Code Enforcement. When asked to remove Brittany the goat from her property, she negotiated an additional 24 hrs. then put Brittany in the back of her Cadillac and drove him to a farm where she would visit often.. She always had an animal within arm’s reach, giving her children an experience of respect for animals and responsibility of caring for others. Barby loved her children so much and raised them to put forth their best effort at everything they did. She would encourage them to think things through before acting and to be certain that the job they did was their absolute best. She would often say “Are you sure you did the best job?” always encouraging them to be thorough thereby creating an unfailing work ethic. As time went by and the kids prepared to leave home, she was concerned with the thought of becoming an empty-nester. She decided to transition her antique business to a stationary store, Apple Core Antiques on Curry Ford road. This business allowed her to focus on new experiences as she enjoyed connecting with customers and taking many family trips searching for antiques, even if they didn’t wish to do so! Apple Core and antiquing occupied most of her time over the course of 20 plus years until her grandchildren came along. Barby’s grandkids, Bella, Sophia, AJ and Gabby, were the sweetness of her life. When she was with them it was constant games, laughter, and silliness. Chocolate, candy, and donuts were always to be had along with the Mema Touch (back scratching) AKA, M.T. by the grandkids! Barby and John were married for 52 years. John was the love of her life. They formed a sensitive and sweet marriage through years of learning, and relearning, about each other. Over the final years of Barby’s life, John cared for Barby daily and through the night until the task simply became too much for him alone. John was graced with selfless help and unending care from Miss Judy until Barby’s final moments. We are forever grateful for Judy’s unwavering help, calmness and grace through this difficult transition. Barby’s success in life was defined by the relationships she had with her loved ones, in the comfort she offered animals and in how much chocolate she could consume daily! Her mother (Virginia/Gin-Gin), father (William/Pa-Pa), and brother (Billy/Bill) preceded her in death. She is survived by her husband, John and her children Jacki Bert (husband, Adam and children Bella and AJ) and John Jr (wife, Angie and children Sophia and Gabby) and many nieces and nephews. Please join us at A Community Funeral Home, 910 W. Michigan St. Orlando, FL 32805 on Friday, January 27 from 5-8 pm, to relive some memories and to share some stories about Barby. Feel free to wear purple (her favorite color) and come prepared to eat some Whoppers (her favorite candy)

Barbara J. Sharp

June 13, 1944 - January 13, 2023