Joan Marie Sharpe

JOAN MARIE ELLIOTT ROYAL SHARPE was born in Albany, New York on March 27, 1934.  She received her formal education in the Albany City School system and graduated from Albany High School in 1953.
Following graduation, she was employed by Montgomery Wards for 10 years in the Customer Service Department.  Joan was later employed in the Finance Department of the Research Foundation for the State University of New York, from where she retired after 25 years.  After her retirement she continued enjoying monthly lunches with her co-workers that would spill over to one of their homes to finish out the day.  Joan spent some of her most memorable times with her dear friends Mrs. Dorothy Brown and Mrs. Harriet Chalmers and the three of them were fondly known as “The Golden Girls.”

Joan’s family, especially her grandchildren, would jokingly say that that her true calling was to be an English teacher as she never let a moment pass to correct their grammar and pronunciation.  You could not finish a sentence without her correcting you!  And, if there was one thing Joan believed in - - it was doing things right and honestly.  As Joan’s granddaughter, Javoni would often describe her, she was truly an “angel on earth.” 
At an early age, Joan united with the Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church and was baptized by Reverend Matthew Jordan under the pastorate of Reverend Moses S. Hunter.  It was at Morning Star that Joan received her foundation in the Lord and learned proper Church etiquette, how to pray, and the gifting of her melodic soprano voice filled the choir.  Joan and her childhood friend, Mildred B. Ephron would often sing duets together-- hymns “Alone” and “Is your All on the Altar?”  Joan was active in all activities that the youth and young adults were expected to participate in and, she was also the first to be crowned “Miss Morning Star!”
Joan devoted the second part of her life to investing her time, guidance, care and love to being a grandparent and devotedly assisted in raising her two granddaughters, Jovoni and Carmen Royal.  She ensured that they were in church with her every Sunday, where they eventually joined the youth choir and usher’s ministry. 
In 1972, Joan married the love of her life, Gilbert Sharpe and shortly thereafter moved her Church membership to join her husband at the Union Missionary Baptist Church under the pastorate of the late Reverend Louis C. Brewer. 
At Union Joan was known for always rendering a fervent prayer whenever asked and she loved her hymns.  Her favorite hymn was “I Will Trust in the Lord.”.  She loved her church and was a dedicated member of the Christian Education Ministry and Vacation Bible School. When Brother Sharpe was tasked with serving as a purchaser for the church, Joan assisted him by looking for the best buys and sales for church supplies.  Joan cherished her long-standing friendships at Union, and she remained connected with us until her passing.

In her spare time, Joan enjoyed challenging herself by completing the daily Word Jumble in the Times Union newspaper, and she faithfully watched Family Feud and re-runs of Perry Mason.
Joan was the Matriarch of her family and therefore, she was treated royally! Her children and grandchildren called her blessed and they were her life.  Joan said one of her most cherished memories were the holiday cooking lessons she shared with her grandchildren.  She was always so loving, caring, no nonsense and genuine. Her beautiful spirit and fervent smile will be forever missed!    

In the early evening of November 30, 2024, Joan left her “earthly” home peacefully and went to her “heavenly” home to be with the Lord.  She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 44 years, Gilbert Sharpe; brothers, Ralph, Samuel, and Morris Elliott; sister, Jean Horton-Grant; her first granddaughter, Selina Andrews-Royal (whom she loved and held in her heart deeply.  She was truly saddened by Selina’s sudden passing and would reminisce often about the many good times they shared together); and her precious great-granddaughter, Kashyra Lewis.

Joan leaves to cherish her beloved memory, her two children, Michelle (Samuel) Walker and Lester Royal Jr.; sister, Maureen Smith; grandchildren, Craig Bullock, Carmen, Lester III (Shaunte), Jovoni, Jermaine, Jillian, Screll, Serina, Angela Royal; great-grandchildren, Mel Sheppard, JaNee, Jada, Cameron Royal, KyRin Miller, Roqueisha, Shinasha, Kasod Lawson, Karizma Scott; and 22 great great-grandchildren.

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