Sharon Teague Whisnant

Sharon Denise Teague Whisnant, 51, of Hickory, N.C., passed away, Tuesday, Nov. 20, at Caldwell Hospice and Palliative Care, Hudson, N.C. Born March 20, 1961, in Catawba County, she is the daughter of Gary and Sylvia Moretz Teague, of Granite Falls. Sharon was a member of Lakeview Baptist Church, Hickory. She had worked as a licensed veterinary technician for Dickson Animal Clinic in Gastonia, and then received her nursing degree from CVCC. Sharon then worked as a registered nurse in obstetrics and pediatrics for Catawba Valley Medical Center and then Dr. Spees, at the Child Health Center. Sharon also served as a Guardian ad Litem (child advocate). Sharon was preceded in death by her husband, James Terry Whisnant; and an infant son, Ryan Andrew. In addition to her parents, survivors include her son, Jeremy Whisnant; daughter, Morgan Whisnant; and brother & sister-in-law, Nelson & Amy Teague, all of Hickory. Sharon will be deeply missed by all those whose lives she touched. She was a friend to many, and at her 50th birthday celebration, she remarked "God knew I needed a large circle of friends". She did indeed have a large circle of friends who in turn were a great blessing to her during her courageous fight. Sharon's prized possessions were her faith in God, her love of family, her many friends, and her animals. She was her children's biggest fan and a constant support for them. Her expressions of love were limitless in the many cards and letters she sent, and she never failed to write a "thank you", for any act of kindness, no matter how small. Her marvelous perspective on life was seasoned with humor, encouragement, thoughtfulness, wit, and an amazing innate ability to brighten one's day. Heartfelt gratitude is expressed to the doctors, nurses, and friends who cared for Sharon. A service of remembrance will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 24, at Lakeview Baptist Church. The Revs. Jerry Hurley and Ben Rowe will officiate and burial will follow in Woodlawn Memorial Gardens, Hickory. The family will receive friends on Friday, Nov. 23, at Lakeview Baptist Church from 5 to 8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to Black Mountain Home for Children, Youth and Family, 80 Lake Eden Rd., Black Mountain, NC 28711; or to Caldwell Hospice and Palliative Care, 902 Kirkwood St. NW, Lenoir, NC 28645. Condolences may be sent to the Whisnant family at drumfh-hickory.com. The family has entrusted funeral arrangements to Drum Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Hickory.

Published in Hickory Daily Record from November 22 to November 23, 2012