Wilma I. Sharpe

Sharpe – Wilma I., 89, of Johnstown, passed away peacefully on January 3, 2025. Born on July 5, 1935, to Gilbert and Olive (Adams) Davis in Johnstown, Wilma was one of six children in the Davis family. Her life was marked by resilience, love, and an unwavering dedication to family.

When Wilma was just 14, her father tragically passed away. As one of the three oldest children, she stepped up to help her mother support the family during those challenging times. She took a job at Coe’s Sub Shop in Coopersdale and selflessly handed over her paychecks to assist with household needs. The Davis family’s strong bond and deep commitment to one another became the cornerstone of their lifelong closeness.

After graduating from Johnstown High School in 1953, Wilma embarked on a career at the local bank, now US Bank. Her intelligence, dedication, and incredible work ethic soon earned her a position as an underwriter with MetLife, a role typically requiring a college degree. Over her 30+ years with MetLife, Wilma excelled and was frequently recognized for her outstanding performance.

In 1954, Wilma met James Sharpe at a local square dance. James, from Windber, was captivated the moment he saw her step off the bus and knew he had to get her phone number. Their love story blossomed, and together they built a beautiful life, raising three children: Karen, Greg, and Susan.

Wilma was deeply devoted to her family while maintaining a full-time career and staying active in the community. Wilma was a devout Christian and member of the Oakland United Methodist Church. She was an active member of the Order of the Eastern Star for many years, serving in various leadership roles. Wilma’s creativity shone through her arts and crafts, and her ceramic creations remain cherished by family members. She was also celebrated for her culinary talents, particularly her delicious cookies and pies, which graced weddings and holiday gatherings. Her home was a hub for large family get-togethers, filled with love, laughter, and fond memories.

In 1993, Wilma and James retired and embraced their golden years as “snowbirds” with a winter home in Bradenton, Florida. Wilma cherished her Johnstown home, surrounded by her siblings, neighbors, and lifelong friends. In Florida, she fully embraced an active lifestyle, enjoying water aerobics at the community pool, sunsets on the Gulf, bridge card games and weekly domino game nights with her closest friends. Always one to stay busy, she joined a dance troupe, performing at neighborhood gatherings and sewing the costumes that the team wore.

Wilma’s greatest joy was her family. She is survived by her children, Karen Gallagher and husband Kevin, Gregory Sharpe and fiancée Danielle Bell, and Susan Stock and husband Glenn; grandchildren, Kelley Gallagher, Kristopher and Nicole Gallagher, Ryan Stock, Kevin and Mary Grace Stock, Cameron Sharpe, and Miranda Sharpe; great-grandchildren, Sienna Gallagher (2) and James Gallagher (1 mo.); sister and brother-in-law, Sally and Raymond Lazorchak and many caring nieces, nephews and friends.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband James M. Sharpe; parents, Gilbert and Olive (Adams) Davis; brothers, Paul Davis, Eugene Davis, and Lee Davis; sister, Carol Moebus; brothers-in-law, Herbert Moebus, James Bubenko, sisters-in-law, Louise Davis, Kitty Davis and Margret Bubenko.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, January 11, 2025, from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. at Harris Funeral Home, 500 Cherry Lane, Richland followed by a Celebration of Life at 1 p.m., with the Rev. Jeremy Barkley officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Wilma’s memory may be made to The Alzheimer’s Association https://donorservices.alz.org. Online condolences may be posted to www.wharrisfuneralhome.com