Sharon D Crites, 73, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of dedication, community service, and love for her family and friends.
Sharon D Crites, 73, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of dedication, community service, and love for her family and friends.
Sharon earned her degree in journalism from Vincennes University, where she later joined the faculty and staff, contributing significantly to the journalism department. She worked closely with the Trailblazer and the Valley Advance, both part of Vincennes University, and served as the editor of the Bridgeport Leader. Sharon was well-known for her insightful column, "Write to the Point."
Her commitment to the community was evident through her involvement with the Lawrence County Camp Girls, where she served as troop leader and summer camp counselor, having attended the camp herself as a child. Sharon also volunteered with the Parkview Junior High School newspaper, mentoring students and fostering their love for journalism. Additionally, she contributed her time and talents to the Red Skelton Performing Arts Center.
Sharon’s interests were diverse and reflected her vibrant personality. She was an active member of the Red Hat Society, enjoyed cross-stitching, word games, and was an avid supporter of Lawrenceville Indians Basketball. She loved reading and spent many hours at the Lawrence County Library. Sharon was also a dedicated member of the American Legion Women’s Auxiliary and enjoyed line dancing and bingo at the senior citizens center.
Above all, Sharon was a devoted mother to her two daughters, instilling in them the values of independence and strength through her own example. She was also a loving and dedicated wife to her husband of 51 years. Sharon will be fondly remembered by all who knew her. She had a deep love for life, enjoyed a good laugh, and had a passion for correcting grammar of those around her. She always reminded us to cross our Ts, dot our Is, and distinguish between their, there, and they’re.
Sharon was preceded in death by her father, Dean Walker; mother, Bessie Walker Jones; granddaughter, Darcy Jayne Adkison; and sister, Sandra "Sandy" Lane. She is survived by her husband, John Crites; daughter, Allison Spaeth and her husband Bryon, and their children, Ethan and Dylan; and daughter, Amanda Mazzagatti and her husband Frank, and their children, Elliot Adkison and Madilyn Mazzagatti. She is also survived by her sisters, Susan Ridge (Loren), Patricia Ash (Rick), Beth Broady (Joe), Rhonda Snow (Robert); brother, Andrew Walker; sisters-in-law, Elizabeth Wright and Susan Coniglario (Marcus); brother-in-law, Stephen Crites (Patricia); as well as many loved nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A visitation will be on Thursday, September 26, 2024 from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. CDT at the Emmons-Macey & Steffey Funeral Home in Lawrenceville, Illinois. Private graveside services will be conducted. Memorial donations may be made to the Lawrence County Camp Girls summer camp.
Please visit www.emmonsmaceysteffey.com to view the tribute and to send condolences.
