Sharon was born on September 7, 1949, in Hillsboro, Texas, to Michael Eugene Ward and Mary Van Wyatt Ward. She attended high school in Itasca, Texas, and went on to pursue her passion for education, earning her undergraduate degree from Howard Payne University and later a master’s degree from Tarleton State University.

Sharon’s professional journey was marked by dedication, perseverance, and a desire to serve others. She began her career as a hairstylist and co-owner of Kuts ‘n Such Beauty Salon, where she faithfully served her clients and community alongside her colleague and dear friend Priscilla Cantwell, for over 20 years. Driven by a love of learning and helping others, she later earned her teaching degree, counseling certification, and principal certification. Sharon devoted nearly three decades to education in the Brownwood and Early school districts, where she touched countless lives. She concluded her education career working with students with autism, a role that became one of her greatest passions. She believed every child deserved to be seen, valued, and loved, and she devoted herself to helping them reach their fullest potential. Her commitment to her students, colleagues, and schools left a lasting impact that will be remembered for years to come.

A woman of deep faith, Sharon was a devoted member of First Baptist Church in Early. Throughout the years, she faithfully served her church family in many roles, including over forty years of service to the youth department as a Sunday school teacher, camp and trip sponsor, church clerk, VBS teacher, member of numerous committees, choir member and small group ladies choir member, and anything else she was asked to do! Her servant’s heart, unwavering faith, and willingness to help wherever needed were a blessing to all who knew her.

Sharon found her greatest joy in spending time with her family and friends, who were always at the center of her life. She loved her schools, enjoyed traveling, relaxing at the beach, and playing golf. One of her greatest treasures was traveling throughout Europe with her grandchildren and, at various times, many of their friends, creating memories and adventures they will carry with them forever. Upon retirement, Mike was required to keep a suitcase packed because she was always ready for the next travel adventure. Whether at home or halfway around the world, Sharon had a remarkable way of turning ordinary moments into unforgettable stories.

Sharon is survived by Mike, her loving husband of fifty-nine years. Theirs is a love story that spans space and time. It is not a story of two people who always thought alike but a story of two people who chose each other again and again. If you spent time with them, you knew their love for each other was indescribable.

Also survived by her daughter, Lori Watson Puckett and her husband, Stephen of Brenham; daughter, Hope Watson Campbell and her husband, Kenny of Kaufman.; brother, Donald Ward and his wife Ruth of Wichita Falls; grandchildren, Presley Puckett Montgomery and husband, Will, Peyton Puckett Haveman and husband Dean, Madison Smith, Parker Puckett and fiancé, Hannah Ramsey, Connor Smith, Mackenzie Smith and boyfriend, Lito Grijalva, and Piper Puckett; great-grandchildren, Holmes Haveman, Rhodes Haveman, Elizabeth “Liza” Montgomery, and Rynlee Grijalva; brothers-in-law, Ronnie Watson and family; Kelly Watson and family; special cousin, Ludy Hammer and husband Bobby; and numerous other cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Sharon was preceded in death by her father, Michael Ward; mother, Mary Van Ward Cockerham; beloved in-laws, Raymond (R.O.) and Floy Watson.

Those who loved Sharon will forever smile when they remember her twirling a flaming baton with confidence and flair, gathering everyone for spontaneous late-night bike rides through Seaside, clearing the table for hours of family game time, somehow getting lost in France only to find a kind (young and handsome) stranger in the metro who made sure she arrived just in time to catch that boat ride along the Seine River, or sending a family text telling everyone to step outside and look at the moon, even if you were in bed in your pajamas.

Perhaps no tradition captures Sharon’s heart better than the simple childhood prayer she loved to share:

I see the moon, and the moon sees me. God bless the moon, and God bless me.

Those words reflected the faith, wonder, and gratitude with which she lived her life. Though she is no longer with us, every glance at the moon will serve as a gentle reminder of her love, her unwavering faith in her Savior, her adventurous spirit, and the countless beautiful memories she leaves behind.

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