Sharon Hammons Morgan

On May 18, 2014, angels came with their sweet chariot and took Sharon home. She left this life with a remarkable state of peace and courage. She was a true testament to her faith and a wonderful wife and partner. Truly loved and admired by her family and friends, she left an example for them on how to face adversity. Though gone to a better place, her legacy will remain. Visitation will be Tuesday, May 20, 2014 from 5-8 p.m. at Jordan Funeral Home in Kosciusko, MS. Memorial services will be Wednesday at 11 a.m. in the St. Matthews's Episcopal Church. Burial will be in the Kosciusko City Cemetery. Officiating is The Reverend Mary Berry and The Reverend Cecil Jones. A resident of Kosciusko, Mississippi, for the last 25 years, Sharon was married to Clarence E. Morgan, III—Cem. Sharon supported Cem in his work as circuit judge and they were true partners in many battles, especially the final one with cancer. Sharon showed her fighting spirit through her 10-month battle with pancreatic cancer. She would not allow the pain or the indignity to stand in the way of living a happy, peaceful life. With her strong will and the help of her dedicated doctor, Tim Alford, Sharon was determined to live a peaceful, joyous life. She did. Born in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, while her father, Vernon Hammons, was in the Marines, Sharon was the oldest of five siblings, who were, in order: Sharon, Dennis, Rebecca, Laura, and Chad. Their mother, Elizabeth Hammons, loved and cared for her children. Both parents set an example of public service and compassion. As a state employee, Sharon served the public admirably and well for 27 years. After retirement, she turned her focus to community and church work at St. Matthew's Episcopal Church and served on the Vestry and as a member of the Altar Guild for many years. Sharon was also fiercely loyal to friends and family. Brenda Ware, Marti Morgan, and Linda Manderson—true and dedicated friends for decades—were at her side during all phases of her treatment. Supporting both Cem and Sharon in this journey were Geoffrey and Donna Morgan of Jackson, Cem's brother and sister-in-law. Special angels in many forms, including home health care workers, hospital maintenance workers, and student nurses were kind beyond measure. Her last days at Hospice Ministries in Ridgeland were made peaceful by the loving care of Carrie, Hope, and Sadie, who nursed Sharon and aided her family with infinite kindness. Sharon is survived by her brother, Chad Hammons of Madison, MS, and her sisters, Rebecca Hammons of Eugene, OR, and Laura Hammons of Raymond, MS. Her heart and time were dedicated to her nephew and niece, Thomas and Liza Hammons, children of Chad and Kristin Hammons. These children love their Nonnie. Other survivors include stepchildren, Clay Morgan of French Camp, MS, and Somer Newland of Houston, TX. Clay and his wife, Jenny with their two children, Jon and Katee, were constant sources of support and prayers for Sharon and Cem. Somer and her husband, Jimmy with their children, Eli and Laura, also supported their family with loving kindness. The family in Oregon, especially her niece, Iris Bicksler (daughter of Rebecca Hammons), also helped to strengthen the family with their thoughts, letters, and emails. She is also survived by her beloved Shih Tzu, Roxie. She was preceded in death by her parents, Vernon and Elizabeth Hammons; maternal grandparents, B. J. and Estella (Wheeler) Warnock; paternal grandparents, Arthur and Mary Elizabeth (Case) Hammons; and brother, Dennis Vernon Hammons. In lieu of flowers, Sharon requested that donations be made to CARA or to the American Cancer Society.