Rebecca Sharp

Rebecca Della Hughes Sharp of New Madrid died peacefully in her home on February 3, 2024 surrounded by family.

Born January 31, 1925 in Cadiz, KY, she was the daughter of the late John Harvey Hughes and Lorene Bridges Hughes.

On June 24, 1951, she married her beloved husband, Van H. Sharp Jr. They celebrated 54 years of marriage until the time of his death in 2005.

A graduate of Western Kentucky University, with a Bachelor’s degree in Home Economics Education and a graduate of Southeast Missouri State University with a Master’s degree in Education.  She was a teacher for 38 years.

She also owned and operated Rebecca Sharp Catering service for 69 years; just retiring last year at the age of 98.

She celebrated many honors throughout the years. A few to name are Beta Sigma Phi Woman Of The Year, Ducks Unlimited Conservation Service Awards for Outstanding Services, Chamber of Commerce Business Of The Year. She was presented a Resolution from the speaker of the house offered by State Representative Donnie Brown and her latest, 2023 Grand Marshal in the City of NM Christmas Parade.

She is survived by her four children and spouses: Susan (Jere) Robbins of New Madrid, Cindy (Rand) Amick of New Madrid, Jennifer (Dave) Thomure of East Prairie, Van H. Sharp III “Harry” (Lisa) Sharp of Marion, IL. 10 grandchildren and spouses:  Vanessa (Anthony) Young, Valerie (Ryan) Lawrence, David (Danielle Stokes) Robbins, Allison (Chad Bradley) Amick, Victoria (Drew) Akins, Madeleine (Dexter) Sproles, Clair (Corey) Sisk, Ollivia (Jeff) Quante, Nicholas (Karlie) Machiran, Jenna Machiran, and their father, Dan Machiran and her 2 fur-grands Zeke and Zoey Sharp.

22 great- grandchildren: Cullen Pearson, Austin, Morgan, Van, Vivienne, Ghent, Madeleine, John Anthony and Caroline Young; Shea and Lydia Lawrence; Lily and Layla Robbins, Lorelei Standridge and Annabelle Stokes; Davis, Kelso and James Akins; Finn Alley; Annie, Addie and Ivy Sisk.

One great-great-grandchild: Alizabeth Young.

And several nieces, nephews and many, many friends.

She was preceded in death by one grandson, Patrick Machiran; 2 sisters Virginia Kimbrough and Margaret Smith.

Visitation will be Tuesday from 5-8 p.m. at her home in New Madrid (1325 Mill Street). Funeral services will be conducted Wednesday at 11 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church in New Madrid.

Pallbearers will be: Anthony Young, David Robbins, Nicholas Machiran, Cullen Pearson, Austin Young, Bud Cooper, Bill Henry and Ben Syas.

Honorary Pallbearers will be her bridge club members: Mary Wagley, Lura Jones, Kay Rebstock, Sharon Porter, Patti McIntosh, Carolyn Lovett, Jeanette Graham, Mona Bloomfield, Sandy Hill, Clare Winter, Edna Ellington, Wilma Morlan, and Ginger DeLisle.

Donations may be made to the Memorial Scholarship in memory of Van and Rebecca Sharp at the Bank of New Madrid, 229 Main St., New Madrid, Missouri  63869