Marilyn Joyce Sharp, passed away on Monday, September 30, 2019, in Dallas, Texas, after a brief battle with pulmonary fibrosis. She was born on September 7, 1942 in Hayward, California, to Zelo and Pauline Sharp (Wilson). Marilyn was raised in Fresno, California, where she graduated from Roosevelt High School. She later attended Fresno City College. She worked at the I.R.S. for 27 years and made many great friends there. In 2006 she moved to Forney, Texas. Marilyn enjoyed her retirement with a mixture of leisure and adventures to sporting events, concerts and travel. She especially loved celebrating her 70th birthday at Graceland, and her 75th in Destin, Florida.Marilyn loved NASCAR driver Ryan Newman. She was thrilled when she met him at Texas Motor Speedway. She was also a big fan of the Oakland Raiders and Fresno State Football. No singer ever won her heart as much as Elvis Presley.Marilyn was an amazing, strong, kind and loving woman. She was the greatest mom her children could ever have been blessed to have. When her sister/best friend, Janice Saulters passed away, Marilyn took guardianship of her niece Christine, who had Down Syndrome. She raised her with love and compassion. Marilyn was a single mom for many years, and her children always came first.Marilyn was preceded in death by her son, Charlie. She is survived by her daughters Sherri Thornhill, Joyce Preston and son Chad Thornhill, as well as her daughter-in-law, Michele Hawthorne and son-in-law, Brad Preston. Grandchildren, Jeremy Hill, Mercedes and Meryah Preston. Sister, Carol Prestriedge. Many other loving nieces, nephews and friends.Her spirit was always strong, and will always be with those who loved her.Please leave the family condolences and share memories on this website.When I count my blessings, I count you twice. ~Irish Blessing

Memories In The Heart

Feel no guilt in laughter, she knows how much you care.

Feel no sorrow in a smile that shes not there to share.

You cannot grieve forever, she would not want you to.

Shed hope that you can carry on, the way you always do.

So talk about the good times and the ways you show you care,

The days you spent together, all the happiness you shared.

Let the memories surround you.

A word someone may say,

Will suddenly recapture a time, an hour, a day

That brings her back as clearly as though she were still here

And fills you with the feeling that she is always near.

For if you keep these moments, you will never be apart.

And she will live forever locked safe within your heart.