CLINTON — Sharon K. Stevens, 80, of Clinton, passed away at 11:14 p.m. on November 22, 2024, at her family residence, Clinton.
Private family services will be held at the Clinton Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Paul Stroup officiating. A celebration of Sharon’s life will be held from 2–5 p.m. on Sunday, December 8 2024, at The Georgia Jill, 1510 E. South St., Clinton. The family has entrusted Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton, with arrangements.
Memorials may be directed to the Clinton Presbyterian Church.
Sharon was born on August 27, 1944, in Tucson, Ariz., the daughter of Leonard and Doris (East) Taylor. She married Dean Stevens on June 11, 1967, in Rantoul.
Survivors include her husband, Dean Stevens, Clinton; children, Damon (Bobbie) Stevens, Wapella, and Darci (Stevens) Friedlund (Robb Mullins), Shabbona, Ill.; three grandchildren, Maddie, Megan, and Carson Stevens, Wapella; sister, Vicki (Jim) Smith, Mahomet; and sister-in-law, Carolyn Taylor, Rantoul.She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Richard Taylor.
Sharon graduated from Rantoul High School, in 1962, and attended Southern Illinois University for one year before transferring to the University of Illinois, where she graduated with a degree in education. While at the U of I she met the love of her life, Dean.
Sharon began her teaching career in Rantoul, having the honor of being on the faculty with her father. She began teaching typing and shorthand at Wapella, in 1967.
She took a break to raise her two children, but teaching was soon calling her name again. She worked as an aide at Wapella and then obtained her Elementary Education Degree at Illinois State University. She taught 4th grade, primarily in Wapella, and then Clinton until her retirement in 2004.
Sharon was a teacher in every sense of the word. She didn’t just educate minds; she nurtured hearts and encouraged all to excel and reach their dreams. In her classroom, she saw the potential in every student. She had the unique ability to make everyone feel seen, valued and capable of greatness.
Her best role was within her family. A wife, mother, grandmother, she embodied unconditional love. She was the heart of the family. She gave without hesitation, always putting others’ needs before her own. Her greatest gift was her investment in others. Her generosity extended beyond family and students. She made others better one act of kindness at a time.
Sharon was an active member of the Clinton Presbyterian Church, serving as Deacon. She was also active in her teacher sorority, Alpha Delta Kappa. After retiring from teaching, Sharon obtained her certification for medical transcription and worked for Paul Hughes, PT in Clinton for many years.
Online condolences may be made at www.calvertmemorial.com
