Sharon Lee Jerome's Obituary
Our precious mother, Sharon Lee (Dixon) Jerome (81), woke in the arms of Jesus on the morning of Saturday, October 4th, 2025 after a long battle with many health challenges. Sharon was born on March 31, 1944, in Emporia, KS, to proud parents Carl Leon Dixon and Vera Erma (Palmer) Dixon, formerly of Moline, KS. Sharon grew up the middle child of three (Clara Ann, and Tommie Carl), who were the children of two educators. They lived in several rural Kansas communities (Reece, Edgerton…) until settling in Lawrence when Sharon was entering Junior High. She graduated from Lawrence High School in 1962, then enrolling in a few hours through KU until she met and married the love of her life, Robert Newton Jerome, in 1964; demonstrating a love and resilience which has lasted over 61 years through many, many challenges and joys. This union was blessed with three beautiful, lively children; Jonothan Robert, Ann Janette, and Larisa Erin Cathleen.
Mom worked in childcare for several years; either financially or as a volunteer, always preferring the baby room. She loved music and had beautiful soprano vocals; which earned her a prestigious place in the Acapella Choir during her years at Lawrence High, and many solos and duets during church cantatas through the years. Mom and Dad enjoyed traveling the United States on their Gold Wing or Harley motorcycles. They were members of the Gold Wing Touring Assoc. and visited many National Parks and Monuments (including Sturgis), until her health prevented their travel. Sharon will also be most remembered by those who know and loved her for her faith in God and her faithfulness to pray for others. She is also best known for her amazing elephant collection, which began in 1966 when her husband brought her first elephant (Elmer) back from Thailand; never knowing what chaos would ensue!
Mom loved her family so very much, and her greatest joy, as her body was failing her, was looking forward to visits from her daughters and grandchildren. She even enjoyed visiting with her great-granddaughters via Facetime; learning something new in her elder years. She continued to be extremely close to her brother, Tom, and her nephew, Tim; visiting with them on the phone frequently.
Sharon is survived by her loving husband, Robert, of the home;
Two daughters: Ann J. Mitchell; Larisa Erin C. Jerome;
Four Grandchildren: Michael, Wyatt, Jewel, and Michelle; and three great-grandchildren
Brother: Tom (Margaret) Dixon of Lawrence, KS
Sister-in-Law: Nancy J. Lytle of Overland Park, KS
Several nieces and nephews, great-nieces/nephews and friends
She was preceded in death by her parents; her son, Jonathan Robert; her sister, Clara Ann Ellsworth; and a niece (Cindy), and nephew (Thomas).
Cremation has been requested and a Celebration of Life will be held on November 20, 2025 at Countryside Funeral Home in Howard, KS. Memorials have been suggested to: Chautauqua County Animal Shelter- Sedan, KS, and or the Elk County Ministerial Alliance and can be left with or mailed to the funeral home. Online condolences may be left at www.countrysidefh.com Services are under the direction of Countryside Funeral Home 206 E. Washington, P.O. Box 1233, Howard, KS 67349
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