Well, baby, it is time to say goodbye. They say every minute someone leaves this world behind but, today, this hour, this minute, it was our everything, our mother, SHARON KAY FORD WEATHERFORD.
What gives us comfort is that we know she is now safely in the arms of the lord. God gave Sharon to the world on January 9, 1948, and on June 4, 2022, at the age of 74, He decided to take her back home. She was preceded in death by her mother, Mary Borland Ford; her father, Oliver Franklin Ford; her twin sons, Robert and Larry Weatherford Jr.; her husband, Larry Weatherford; her daughter-in-law, Tiffany Weatherford; her nephew, Greg Parlin; and her sister, Diana Smart.
Sharon is survived by her brother, Mitchell Ford (Betty), who she deeply loved; and four children, Lisa Michelle (Alan), the only girl, and who was taught at an early age to love cooking, entertaining, and to deeply love her family; Michael Todd (Kimberly), the oldest son, spent one day a week “Mom-Monday” having lunch, watching old movies, or traveling to the pony track with his mom; Barry Allen (Brittany), the middle child, was a bit more adventurous and liked to take Mom on boat rides, for margaritas, to play with the dogs, and is the mastermind behind the Covid-19 Basket that Mom used to get supplies up to the third floor; Jason Brett (Wendy), the youngest, and the favorite could do no wrong unless he was driving her somewhere and always kept Mom furnished with a car. Side-note: he is probably the favorite because he is the father to her undisputed favorite person in the world, Patience. Speaking of grandkids, there are lots of them: Casey (Christy) taught her everything she knows about cooking; Stefan (Elizabeth), the one who had her wrapped in his arms when she took her last breath; Jessica, the gorgeous oldest granddaughter; Apryl (Joel) her beautiful, thoughtful granddaughter; Devin (Jordan) the sweetest, most good-looking grandson; Patience Kay (Conner), the grandchild she loved to the moon and back, and the favorite person ever of her Grandma, Brayden, the most humorous grandchild who always made her laugh; Lakyn, the kindest and most compassionate child ever; Skye, the football-loving grandson who says all of the prayers at family gatherings; Bear, also known as the best Brett ever would have to be the bluntest and most outspoken grandson and there is some stiff competition; and Maya, the trainer and fashion designer of Diablo (the dog). There is also one honorary grandson, Brock (Leah) who has always been a big part of the family and our anything mechanical advisor. Sorry to all of you that you had to follow behind, PK, Grandma still loves you. Deep breath, almost done, but there are a few more, the eight great-grandchildren, Ashlynn, Emilee, Kyndra, Christian, Trenton, Kaden, Aubree, and Alexee. Plus, an equally important niece, Jennifer; a nephew, Jeff; their children and the Weatherfords, Dobbs, and Rileys, who were always still her family. Also due
to the number of Mother’s Day cards Mom received this year. We are suspicious there may be other siblings but that hasn’t been confirmed at this point. Julie Ann Smith was right when she said, “she was everyone’s mom, grandma or aunt”.
It never mattered how big or small her house was it was always full of family, friends, love, and laughter. However, there were rules and regulations she repeated tirelessly, “DO NOT let Riley out”, always be polite to Mr. Possum, never offer her a glass of milk, she hated it. Conner, why couldn’t you understand that one? And coconut, she hated that too unless it was in a coconut pie, cake or in candy. (how else could you eat it?) Then, Shhhh, you are being too loud the neighbors might hear you, EVERYONE of YOU ARE TERRIBLE drivers so, make sure to watch for brake lights, slow down and be careful or you will hit a deer. Use bug spray or those mosquitos are going to tear you up, keep some snacks around like, Cheetos, (Todd likes to snack) and baby please go to church.
Church was an important part of Sharon’s life. Our mom was a meek and humble woman of God and a member of New Hope Primitive Baptist Church. Mom accomplished so much while here on this earth and always showed a constant love for her family that far exceeded anything we deserved. She taught all of us how to make family a priority, to treat everybody like somebody, to say I love you, and to understand each day is a gift from God. There was never a time mom didn’t offer to cook dinner or bake a pie for anyone who entered her home, except Brett when he moved out, she was mad and only made enough for her and the dog, Riley B.
Sharon Kay faced her death, as she did her life, with kindness and humor. Often telling us that when she passed, she would come back and haunt us, so we would know she was still with us. So, if you see a cardinal or a squirrel acting a little crazy or something moves or falls, it could possibly be Mom trying to tell you something. Pay attention.
The most difficult goodbye is the one with your mother. Our Mom could always take the place of all others when we needed her but no one else will ever take her place. With her gone, there won’t be a soul left in the world who thinks we are special just because we exist. Our Mother’s love was something we always had that we didn’t have to acquire or even deserve, it was always just there. Rest in Peace mom. Hopefully, now you will finally know, if there was ever anything on Oak Island, besides wood.
Give Daddy a hug for us. We love you. Goodbye, Mom.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, June 9th, 2022 from 12-1 p.m. at Atkinson Funeral Home, 126 E. 2nd St. Malvern, AR 72104 The funeral service will begin at 1 p.m., immediately following visitation. Pallbearers will be Casey Boudreaux, Stefan Boudreaux, Brayden Clark, Jonathan DeBusk, Brock Faircloth, Conner Organ, Skye Weatherford, and Bear Weatherford. Afterwards, there will be a procession to Lono Cemetery for a short graveside service then lunch will follow.