SEARS, Mrs. Neuva Lee Sharp, age 81of Franklin, TN. Our beloved mother, sister, aunt, grandparent and devoted wife passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of August 21st. Born in Columbia, TN to James and Ruby Sharp, Neuva developed an early love for music, people and Christ our Lord.
She was preceded in death by her parents, son Michael and grandson Seagar Degen. She is survived by her loving Husband of 58 years, John Sears and their two children Joan Degen of Haines, AK & Jason Sears of Seattle, WA. She will be missed dearly by a multitude of people including her grandchildren Murphy Degen of Juneau, AK & Forrest Sears of San Francisco, CA, her oldest sister Ann Cole of Nashville, TN, younger sister Carolyn Hicks of Huntsville, AL and numerous, nieces, nephews and dear friends that came to know her over her adventurous life.
Neuva graduated Howard High School in Nashville in 1951 and Middle Tennessee State University in 1954. After college she taught elementary school before marrying her college sweetheart John just prior to him being commissioned in the US Navy. She was the perfect Military wife. Never complaining when new orders would arrive and she would be required to pack up her brood and once again move the clan across the country, sometimes across the world. They traveled extensively (and often). First to Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Monterey, CA, Alameda, CA, Pensacola, FL, Kenitra, Morocco, Washington D.C., Monterey, CA (again), Guam, San Diego, Honolulu, HI, back to Monterey for the third time and then once again to Hawaii for a second tour before retirement in Bay St. Louis, MS. She adored the Gulf Coast and then once there, put down her foot and said, “enough is enough” intending to remain in Mississippi. She was a proud member and founder of the United Methodist Church in Diamondhead, MS. Both John and Neuva enjoyed retirement immensely socializing with their dear friends and neighbors. After 29 years (1983 – 2012) they both decided it was time to return to their roots and their extensive family scattered though out Middle Tennessee. Upon returning to Franklin, she joined The United Methodist Church where she gained much joy from the congregation. Despite her frailty and physical limitations she developed strong bonds and always looked forward to Sundays and the fellowship she received.
Neuva loved to golf, play bridge, play the piano, dance, cook and worshiping our Lord. The kitchen was her domain and she loved nothing more than to prepare meals for her family. She loved people of all types and would always find time to stop and get to know all she came across. She loved music and was often found singing or humming her favorite tunes as she worked tirelessly around her home. She gave all of her heart to everything she did and possessed an incredible optimism and bright sunny disposition.
Funeral services will be held 2:00PM Sunday, August 24, 2014 at Williamson Memorial Funeral Home, Dr. Marty Bell officiating. Burial will be in Greenbrier Cemetery, family & friends will serve as pallbearers. Memorials may be made to Feed The Children, 615 Davidson St. Nashville, TN 37213. Visitation will be 4-7PM Saturday and one hour prior to the service at WILLIAMSON MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, 615-794-2289. www.williamsonmemorial.com