Sharon Barnes

Sharon Pilcher Barnes, 68, of Union City, formerly of Ripley, passed away peacefully at her home on Monday, July 12, 2021.
Sharon was born October 10, 1952, in Ripley, to James Tracy Pilcher Jr. and Carolyn Herron Pilcher, the eldest of four children.
She graduated in 1970 from Ripley High School, where she was a cheerleader, crowned homecoming queen and met her high school sweetheart and future husband, Randy Barnes. Sharon graduated from the University of Tennessee at Martin in 1974 with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. She also went on to earn her master’s degree in elementary education.
Sharon married Randy Barnes of Ripley on December 17, 1972, in Ripley. They were happily married for nearly 49 years and resided in Union City.
She began her teaching career at Erin Elementary School and continued on as an elementary educator in the Union City School System with 41 years of experience. Sharon was a passionate and gifted educator, earning her many honors including being selected as Union City’s Teacher of the Year.
Her husband, Randy, was the head football coach of the Union City Golden Tornado football team. She was the epitome of a coach’s wife to Randy, helping to start Purple & Gold Fridays in the Union City School system, expanding pep rallies into the elementary schools and being the number one fan in the stands for numerous years.
Sharon was a devoted mother to two children: David Randall Barnes (Kelly) of Jackson and Anna Laura Haltom (Jon Murray) of Jackson. She was also “Sha Sha” to her four grandchildren: Bryant Barnes, Elizabeth Sue Barnes, Whitt Haltom and Jack Haltom. Some of her greatest joy came from being with her family.
Sharon was an active member of Union City Methodist Church, where she sang in the choir, served on various committees, served on the board of directors at First Friends Preschool and was a member of the Upper Room Sunday School class.
She was a member of the Union City Review Club and Union City Women’s Club. She was also an active participant in her bridge club and Bible study.
Sharon was a gift to her family, friends and community. She was a true Christian woman. She excelled as an educator and was gifted with artistic creativity. She was selfless, always caring about others.
She enjoyed spending time with her family, cooking, painting, gardening, decorating for all seasons/holidays, playing bridge and a cup of coffee. She touched many lives throughout her life and leaves behind a treasure house of memories.
Visitation will be held at Union City First Methodist Church on Wednesday, July 14, 2021, from 4-8 p.m. Funeral services will be held Thursday, July 15, 2021, at 2 p.m. at Union City First Methodist Church with visitation from noon until services begin. Burial will immediately follow in East View Cemetery in Union City.
Pallbearers will be James Brannen, John Brannen, Mark Brooks, Kyle Brooks, Al Creswell and Hal Mosier. Honorary pallbearers will be the Union City Methodist Church choir and retired educators in the Union City School System.
Sharon is survived by her husband, Randy Barnes of Union City; two children, David Barnes (Kelly) and Anna Laura Haltom (Jon Murray), both of Jackson; four grandchildren, Bryant Barnes, Elizabeth Sue Barnes, Whitt Haltom and Jack Haltom, all of Jackson; mother, Carolyn Pilcher of Ripley; two sisters, Jan Brannen (Jim) of Clarksville and Margie Brooks (Barry) of Martin; one brother, Jim Pilcher (Atha) of Somerville; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her father, James Tracy Pilcher Jr.; and niece, Mary Margaret Pilcher.
The family requests memorials be made to the Union City Methodist Church choir.

Published 7.13.21