Sharon Lee Richmond Janis passed away in Greensboro, North Carolina on January 7, 2021, at the age of 70. She was a well-loved sister, mother, aunt, and friend. Sharon was born on August 5, 1950, in Martinsville, Virginia, the daughter of John and Sue Richmond. She graduated from Martinsville High School. Sharon attended Mary Washington College, where she majored in mathematics and was a member of the Mortar Board, a distinguished honor society. She also attended the University of Virginia Curry School of Education, earning a master’s degree in mathematical education.
A life-long Presbyterian, Sharon was the youngest Elder ever elected at the Fredericksburg Presbyterian Church. She was a long-time member of Manassas Presbyterian Church and served as an Elder in the church for several terms. She also served as the Chair of the preschool board, taught adult Sunday school, and was an active member of the Presbyterian women’s group. After retiring to Greensboro, Sharon joined Westminster Presbyterian Church.
Sharon taught high school math at James Monroe High School in Fredericksburg, Virginia and Osbourn High School in Manassas, Virginia. She taught grade school mathematics at Linton Hall School in Bristow, Virginia. She was the editor of her award-winning high school yearbook and served as an advisor for the yearbooks at James Monroe and Osbourn High Schools. Sharon was named Outstanding Young Educator by the Virginia Jaycees.
Following her teaching career, Sharon owned and operated the Delaware Inn Bed and Breakfast in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. As innkeeper, for over a decade, she graciously welcomed all her guests. Sharon’s beloved standard poodle, Evan, was always nearby ready to greet visitors. Delaware Today magazine named the Delaware Inn as the “Best Place to Stash the In-Laws.”
Sharon retired to Well Spring retirement community, where she and Evan walked the grounds greeting whomever they met.
Sharon had an adventurous spirit and loved to travel. She visited many areas of the United States and she also visited other countries including Japan, China, Peru, and Egypt. Sharon loved the beach, especially Sunset Beach, North Carolina.
Sharon was preceded in death by her parents John Richmond and Sue Wampler Richmond of Martinsville Virginia. She is survived by her children, Catherine Lee Janis of Greenbelt, Maryland and Jonathan Meloy Janis of Talkeetna, Alaska and her sister, Marjorie Richmond Donnelly of Greensboro, North Carolina.