Judy A Sharp

Judy Ann Sharp, aged 76, of Jackson, passed away Monday, August 25, 2025, at her home, after an eight-month battle with pancreatic cancer.

Born September 5, 1948, to Ronald Evans and Dorothy Thayer Evans Revelle, in Bonne Terre, Missouri, she graduated from Bismark High School in 1966 and earned her bachelor’s degree in music education from Southeast Mo State University in 1970.

On June 16, 1979, she married the love of her life, Ralph Sharp. Together they built a harmonious family full of love.

Judy dedicated 42 years of her life to teaching music in the Southeast Missouri area. Her first teaching job being at Oak Ridge, MO for 2 years before moving on to other locations. In 1973 she started the band program at Meadow Heights School District. She finished the last 32 years of her 42-year career back at the Oak Ridge School District, retiring in 2012 after having received the Heartland’s Best Teacher Award. Her passion for music education and her love for her students left a lasting legacy in the lives of her students and colleagues. Even after her retirement, she worked part-time at Kohl’s, where she enjoyed seeing former students and their families until her retirement in June 2025.

Judy and her husband Ralph were active members at Cape Bible Chapel beginning in 1983. And Judy, along with Ralph, co-created their music ministry, The Key of D. Her unwavering belief and faith in God were the guiding force of her life. She faced every challenge with the strength and grace that God bestowed on her and lived her life without fear; fully trusting in her faith.

Judy is survived by her husband Ralph Sharp; her children, William Todd Kafka, Jennifer (Kyle) West, Samantha Ruebel and Erynne Sharp (Eric Scheper). She was also a proud and devoted grandmother to Chloe (Trey) Wadley, Aubrey (Cortise) Perry, Whitney (Shane) Ashley, David Ruebel, Alex Ruebel, Gwynne Scheper, Bryn (Nathan) Murray, Cameron Birdwell and Londyn Birdwell. Her legacy continues in her great-grandchildren, Charlotte Wadley, Adeline Wadley, Dominic Murray and Levi Murray. She was a loving sister to her siblings Jan (David) Miller, Carol (Darrell) Gallaher, Kathy Klemp, Douglas Evans, Richard (Lori) Evans and Michael (Deidre) Evans, and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Rick Evans.

All who loved and cherished Judy are encouraged to celebrate her life at Cape Bible Chapel in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, on Tuesday, September 2, 2025. Memorial visitation will be from 11am to service time. The Revs. Mike Parry, Josh Stephens, and Ben Beswick will conduct the life celebration service at 2pm. Private Inurnment will follow at Russell Heights Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, it was Judy’s wish that friends make a donation to their local school music program in her name.

Judy Ann Sharp will be remembered not just for what she did, but for how she lived her life, with faith, joy and a heart full of love.

Arrangements by McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson.

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