Ms. Sharon Edwards

Sharon Edwards was born on June 29, 1982 in Thomasville, Georgia to Ella Mae Edwards. At the age of five, she entered the foster care system and experienced multiple placements across South Georgia. Despite these challenges, Sharon remained determined to build a better future for herself. She accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior and became a member of Greater New Corinth Missionary Baptist Church in Cairo, Georgia, under the leadership of Rev. W. R. Jenkins. Sharon received her education in Grady and Lowndes County public schools, where she was a proud Army Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) cadet. She later enrolled in Job Corps, where she completed training as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). Most recently, Sharon was employed by the International House of Flavors in Albany, Georgia. She lived the latter years of her life in Albany, Georgia, where she built connections within the community and found strength in her faith. Sharon will be remembered for her resilience, unwavering faith, boundless love, and the kindness she extended to everyone around her.

Sharon leaves to cherish her memory five beloved children: Gavin Stafford, who was cared for by Tina and Andy Pacleb (Brunswick, GA); Jadden Henley, who was adopted by Katrina Henley (Atlanta, GA); Tyler Jones, who was adopted by Tonya Jackson (Folkston, GA); and Caitlyn and Caleb Wurz, who were adopted by Krista and Beth Wurz (Brunswick, GA). She is also survived by her only biological sibling, her devoted brother, Donnie Lamar Olajuwon (Washington, D.C.), as well as beloved sisters and brothers from her foster care placements who became an integral part of her extended family, including JoAnne Amelia Washington (Philadelphia, PA) and Brandon Tyson (Brunswick, GA). In addition, Sharon leaves behind a host of loving relatives and dear friends. The family would also like to acknowledge the parental figures who provided love and support throughout her life, including Jawan Olajuwon (Atlanta, GA), whom she called ‘Dad.’ She was preceded in death by her mother, Ella Mae Edwards (Tallahassee, FL); her longtime foster parents, Colossus and Jeanette Hill (Cairo, GA); her uncle, Willie Lee Edwards (Cairo, GA); and her sister through foster care, Dionne Shanti Hill (Albany, GA). Sharon’s love, strength, and compassionate spirit will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved her."