Martha Elizabeth "Lib" Sharpe Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Martha Elizabeth “Lib” Sharpe, 92, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family on May 17th 2022. Lib was born July 4, 1929 on McCroskey Ave. to Major and Rose Cockrum. Lib, an active and intelligent child, grew up mostly in north Knoxville and graduated from Knoxville High School in 1947. Her career as an executive secretary was brief, as she married Owen Boyd Sharpe at Little Brick Presbyterian Church in Park City in May, 1950. Within a few months, her life was again changed when Boyd was unexpectedly called to active duty as a naval aviator at the beginning of the Korean Conflict. This was the start of a 20-year adventure as a military spouse. Lib and her ever-growing family moved regularly to postings that included New Jersey, Alabama, Hawaii, California, Georgia, Florida, and Newfoundland. In every post, Lib made new friends and found new activities to enjoy as she raised her family, dealing gracefully with both the frequent moves and the long separations inherent in the military. Lib and Boyd returned to Knoxville in 1965 with Boyd’s last post as commander of the Naval/Marine reserve station on Alcoa Highway. They settled in Holston Hills in where they lived since 1966. In addition to homemaking, gardening, and other activities, Lib was active at Eastminster Presbyterian Church. Her door was always open and she welcomed into her already-large family numerous young people, serving as a surrogate mother to many whose own family situations were difficult. One of her great passions in later life was tennis, which she took up in her 50s, often competing with opponents decades younger. She remained healthy and active late into life, often seen by neighbors walking her terrier, Ralphie. Lib was a modest, thoughtful, and loving person of great faith, never neglecting her morning devotions even when she could no longer attend church. We love you and will miss you, mom. She is preceded in death by husband, parents and siblings, as well as beloved daughters Jan Kent and Kristin Kruck. She is survived by children Russ (Jenny), Melanie Hyams (Jimmy), and Ron (Skip) as well as by grandchildren Elizabeth Snyder (Solon), Major Sharpe (Candace), Laura Hayse (Brad), Emily Kent, Leslie Hyams, and Valerie Hyams, as well as by seven great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews, and special friends of the family who regarded her as a second mother. A special thank you to granddaughter Valerie Hyams who cared for her grandmother lovingly and faithfully during her last several months. Funeral arrangements: Receiving friends Monday, May, 23rd from 1:30 to 3 pm at Eastminster Presbyterian Church, 4904 Asheville, Highway, with memorial service to follow at 3 pm. Interment on Tuesday May 24th at 11:00 Woodlawn Cemetery, Rev. Dr. Sean White officiating. Donations in her memory may be directed to Young-Williams Animal Center, Serene Manor Medical Center, or the charity of your choice. Online obituary may be viewed and condolences extended at www.rosefuneraltn.com.

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Martha Elizabeth "Lib" Sharpe

July 4, 1929 - May 17, 2022