After high school Sharon married her sweetheart, James Garvin Bunnell, and graduated from Howard Payne University before welcoming the birth of their 2 daughters Piper Denise and Rebecca Lynn. Sharon and her daughters moved to Austin in 1974 where Sharon attended the graduate school of music at the University of Texas. Sharon never left Austin until declining health required her to relocate. For over 50 years, Sharon taught private music lessons, working with musicians of all genres and all levels, from beginners to established professionals. The family cherishes countless memories of singing, praying, and making music together. Sharon’s home provided the healing balm of music when one was troubled and celebratory jam sessions when joy and creativity came to visit.

Sharon had a passionate and loyal heart, and an immense love for God, family, music, and pets. She was a very creative person who appreciated all forms of art, a gift she shared with her daughters through lessons in gymnastics, ballet, swimming, and music. As a single mother, Sharon made many sacrifices to ensure her daughters had every opportunity to develop their interests and education, enrolling them in the best Austin-area schools and encouraging them to explore all the city had to offer. She also enjoyed reading about nutrition and embraced Austin’s early Whole Foods culture. She regularly prepared delicious, healthy – and sometimes nontraditional – meals for her family.

After raising her daughters, Sharon found love again with an old friend, Terry Lee Southall, when they were both in their 50s. They enjoyed 28 years together before Terry’s passing in April of 2023. Sharon cherished her siblings and remained close to them, often taking day trips with her sisters, and a yearly retreat with the whole clan, affectionately called “The Sibling Summit.” Sharon was a member of Hyde Park Baptist Church in Austin for over 40 years and enjoyed singing in the church choir.

Perhaps Sharon’s greatest joy was found in her grandchildren. At the mere mention of their names, her face would light up. She had the ability to be fully present when playing with her grandchildren, making them seem so important, and she enjoyed many happy times with them taking them on outings, eating special treats, and making music. Everyone always wanted to be at “Mammom’s.”

Sharon loved the Lord and was ever mindful of His faithfulness and grace. She was always eager to join in prayer, share the Word, and sing joyful praise. Her life was a blessing to many, and she will be greatly missed.

Sharon is survived by daughters Piper (Bunnell) Perlichek and husband Kory, and Rebecca Bunnell; grandchildren James Perlichek and wife Lily, Corinne (Perlichek) Hudson and husband Seth, Grace Perlichek, Tori Perlichek, and Joe Luther Gilbreth; and great-grandson Rory James Hudson. Sharon is also survived by her sister Marjorie Ellis and husband James; brothers Larry Piper and wife Joyce, Paul Piper and wife Toni, and Jim Piper and wife B.G.; and brother-in-law Larry Crutsinger; along with many nieces and nephews. Sharon was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and sister Carolyn Crutsinger.

The family would like to thank the caring staff at Morning Star Assisted Living in Fredericksburg, Texas, along with Century Hospice, for the commitment, love, patience and kindness that was provided to Sharon for the past 9 months. You have been a blessing to us and we are so grateful.

A funeral service will be held Saturday, March 7 at Heartland Funeral Home, 303 Early Blvd., Early, Texas. Visitation will be from 12:00 – 2:00 pm, with services beginning at 2:00 pm. Internment will immediately follow at Eastlawn Memorial Park, 1921 Early Blvd., Early, Texas.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Austin at a later date. Details to follow.

Online condolences, memories and tributes can be made to the family at www.heartlandfuneralhome.net