JEROME, Sharon Lee (Dixon) - b. March 31, 1944 - October 4, 2025

[patyrn]

Our precious mother, Sharon Lee Jerome, age 81, woke in the arms of Jesus on the morning of October 4, 2025 after a long battle with many health challenges.  She was born on March 31, 1944 in Emporia, Kansas to proud parents, Carl Leon Dixon and Vera Erma (Palmer) Dixon, formerly of Moline, Kansas.

Sharon grew up the middle child of three along with Clara Ann and Tommie Carl who were the children of two educators.  They lived in several rural Kansas communities (Reece, Edgerton....) until settling in Lawrence, Kansas when Sharon was entering Junior High.  She graduated from Lawrence High School in 1962.  She then enrolled in a few hours through the University of Kansas until she met and married the love of her life, Robert Newton "Bob" Jerome, demonstrating a love and resilience which has lasted over 61 years through many, many challenges and joys.  This union was blessed with three beautiful, lively children, Jonothan Robert, Ann Janette, and Larisa Erin Cathleen.

Mom worked in childcare for several years, either financially or as a volunteer, always preferring the baby room.  She loved music and had beautiful soprano vocals which earned her a prestigious place in the Acapella Choir during her years at Lawrence High School and many solos and duets during church cantatas through the years.  Mom and Dad enjoyed traveling the United States on their Gold Wing or Harley motorcycles.  They were members of the Gold Wing Touring Association and visited many national parks and monuments, including Sturgis, until her health prevented their travel.  Sharon will also be most remembered by those who know and loved her for her faith in God and her faithfulness to pray for others.  She is also best known for he6amazing elephant collection which began in 1966 when her husband brough her first elephant, Elmer, back from Thailand, never knowing what chaos would ensue.

Mom loved her family so very much, and her greatest joy as her body was failing her was looking forward to visits from her daughters and grandchildren.  She even enjoyed visiting with her great-granddaughters via Facetime, learning something new in her elder years.  She continued to be extremely close to her brother, Tom, and her nephew, Tim, visiting with them on the phone frequently.

Sharon is survived by her loving husband, Robert of the home; two daughters, Ann J. Mitchell and Larisa Erin C. Jerome; four grandchildren, Michael, Wyatt, Jewel, and Michelle; three great-grandchildren; her brother, Tom (Margaret) Dixon of Lawrence, Kansas; her sister-in-law, Nancy J. Lytle of Overland Park, Kansas; and several nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, and friends.  She was preceded in death by her parents; her son, Jonathan Robert; her sister, Clara Ann Ellsworth; a niece, Cindy; and a nephew, Thomas.

Cremation has been requested, and a Celebration of Like will be held at a future date.  Memorials have been suggested to Chautauqua County Animal Shelter in Sedan, Kansas and can be left with or mailed to the funeral home.  Online condolences may be left for the family at www.countrysidefh.com.  Services are under the direction of Countryside Funeral Home, 206 E. Washington, Howard, Kansas 67349.

(taken from the Countryside Funeral Home website)