Stella Roper Sharp

Published 4:58 pm Thursday, December 19, 2024

Nov. 17, 1928 – Dec. 18, 2024

NATCHEZ – Stella Roper Sharp joined her two precious brothers and three cherished sons, passing away peacefully at home on Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2024, at the age of 96. She was the beloved sister of two, mother of eight, grandmother to fourteen, great-grandmother to seven.

Stella, daughter of Thomas Edell Roper and Jessie Neal Roper Hogan, was born on Nov. 17, 1928, in Crystal Springs, MS. She was a “Fighting Five” graduate of Central High School in Jackson and was very proud to be chosen as a member of the National Honor Society for her academic achievements, character, and leadership. Stella earned her Bachelor’s degree from the University of St. Edwards in Austin and finished her coursework for a Master’s degree in Art History from LSU, passing her French proficiency exam on the first try at the age of 75. When asked how she passed so easily, she replied, “I had it in high school!”

Stella was the owner of Sharp Designs and Works of Art in the 1980s and 90s downtown and Canal Street Gallery for the past two decades. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, Pilgrimage Garden Club, and Natchez Little Theater, participating in all aspects of these organizations. In 1962, as President of the Presbyterian Women of the Church, she proudly invited Eudora Welty to speak to the members.

Stella surrounded herself with beauty in her home and at church with her incredible flower arrangements, her collection and care of Antique silver, and her loving grandchildren. She was a Master Flower Show judge and a dedicated member of Clan MacMillan. Other lifelong interests include genealogy, art, archaeology, and politics.

There was no keeping Stella off the dance floor, especially when Woody Coates fired up “Sweet Georgia Brown”, her all-time favorite! When asked by one doubtful young man if she could still jitterbug, she replied “Well, that’s no hill for a stepper!!”, and proceeded to show him how it was done!

R. B. Sharp, her beloved husband of twenty-five years, referred to Stella as “Rapid Transit” as she could be seen zipping around Natchez transporting her children to their various activities. Her dedication to her children, and later to her grandchildren, was her driving force in life as “Jama” tried to be there for everyone.

Stella was preceded in death by her husband, R. B. Sharp; her three sons, Mickey Stevens, John T. Stevens, and Richard Sharp, and two grandsons, Arrington Taylor Sharp and Mickey Paul Stevens.

She is survived by her five daughters, Sherry Martin Hanson, Gina Martin O’Brien (Tom), Eliza Sharp, Mary Ann Sharp, and Susan Sharp; grandchildren, Maya Kovskaya, Noah Stevens, Hosanna Patience, Sarah Hanson, Scott Hanson, Hudson Fuller (Carley), Patrick Stevens (Courtney), Johnnie Stevens (Chelsea), Will Simonton, Burne Sharp, Chapman Sharp, Davis Sharp (Tali) and Amelia Orlando. “Jama” also leaves seven adored great-grandchildren, and treasured extended family, Richard Crook, Cindy Roper Holmes, and Sharon
Sharp Williams.

Those honoring her as pallbearers will be her grandsons. Honorary pallbearers will be Richard Crook, Tom O’Brien, Boothe Alford, Sal Durkin, Ken Williams, Kevin Fuller, Mark Orlando and Dempsey White.

The family would like to express sincere gratitude to Rose Corliss Chapman, Janice Anderson, and Accent Care Home Health for their exceptional care of Stella over the past few years.

Services for Stella will be held on Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024, at First Presbyterian Church, with the Rev. Joan W Gandy, presiding. Visitation will begin at noon at the church located at 400 State St. with the service following at 1 p.m. Burial will follow at Natchez City Cemetery under the direction of Laird Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be sent to the First Presbyterian Church, Historic Natchez Foundation, and Natchez Adams County Humane Society.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at lairdfh.com.