Ms. Sharon Denise ("Necie") Burroughs

Reflections of Her Journey

Sharon Denise (Necie) Burroughs began her life’s journey on December 12, 1959 in Saint Louis, Missouri.  She was the youngest of two girls born to Earline Beasley Burroughs who preceded her in death in 2001.

Sharon was taught at a very early age that Jesus Christ was her Lord and Savior. Believing that to be true, she professed a hope in Christ and joined Compton Hill M.B. Church. She was a member of the Junior Usher Board and sang in the Youth and Young Adult Choir.

Sharon was educated in the Saint Louis City Public Schools attending Laclede Elementary and Beaumont High School. She earned degrees from Harris Stowe College, Webster College, Webster University (formerly Webster College), and Lindenwood University. She was a life-long student for she was always enrolled in a class, workshop, seminar, etc., and strongly encouraged others to do the same.

Sharon had the fortunate experience of growing up in the same home with her maternal grandparents and great-grandmother. Her mother and grandparents instilled in her the true meaning of love and giving selflessly to others. That was a true testament to her character as a child and into adulthood. Her spirit exuded kindness, generosity, and love. She NEVER met or knew a stranger as exemplified by her endless acts of ALWAYS giving to others while sometimes denying herself. lt's ironic that Sharon's birthmark was in the shape of a heart. That was a true indicator of the person she was and how she lived her life and treated everyone.

Sharon was employed by Saint Louis County Special School District for 33 years. During that time, she serviced students at Flynn Park Elementary in the University City School District and later transferred to Hazelwood East High School in the Hazelwood School District. She took on many roles and leadership positions during her tenure as a teacher. She performed each of them with boundless energy and enthusiasm. One of her most rewarding roles was being the original sponsor of the first gospel choir at Hazelwood East High School. She and the choir serviced communities, churches, events, etc., for many years. She remained committed to educating students upon her retirement in 2015 and dedicated many hours volunteering and as a substitute teacher. 

Sharon's marriage bore no children, however she nurtured, loved, and "mothered' hundreds of children who God sent her way. They were fed, clothed, sheltered, and taught well. She loved them unconditionally and looked past their faults and saw their needs. Many continue to benefit from her love as they have become adults and seek that same love for their own children.

Sharon was a faithful, dedicated member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (AKA) - Omicron Theta Omega Chapter for over 25 years. She earned her silver star in 2022 which was one of her most treasured memories as a member. She devoted countless hours to her chapter and remained steadfast and committed to their beliefs to serve and educate. Her dedication to the "pink and green” was extraordinary. Every room in her house was adorned/trimmed in those colors. She even had a "pink and green' Christmas tree which she insisted be put up every year. 

Sharon lived and loved life to its fullest. She loved hard and laughed a lot. Her home was the "gathering place" for holidays, parties, sleepovers, out-of-town guests, and to gather whatever knowledge she had to impart on you. She was a good cook, an avid reader, a good listener, loved to talk on the phone, and traveled often. She was a HUGE St. Louis Cardinals Baseball fan and attended several games during the season. The "theme" for her retirement party was based on and around the "CARDs". Sharon’s happy place was with a plate of fried chicken and a Pepsi.

Family meant a lot to Sharon. She absolutely adored her only niece, Michelle, great nephew, Mason (my #1) and great niece, Makenzie. She was a people person and always said, ..."the more, the merrier." Although the youngest of two girls, she often TRIED to play the role of big sister. She made sure that everyone knew that she and her sister, Dianne, shared the same birthday and that we were not twins. She would insist that her mother wanted it that way so she wouldn't have to remember two birthdays and have two birthday parties.

Sharon was a very spiritual person.  She loved reading the Bible, watching Pastor Joel Olsteen, and Joyce Meyers on television. She knew all of the gospel channels on tv and what pastor, minister, evangelist, etc. who hosted them. She possessed a plethora of knowledge about life and was always willing to impart that knowledge upon anyone who would listen (even if you didn't want to). She would jokingly say from time to time... "l've had big fun, if I don't get well no more." 

Sharon completed and transitioned from this earthly life on Thursday, October 26, 2023 at her home while under the care of her sister, Dianne. She will be missed tremendously but her memories will be cherished by those she left behind which include her only sister Dianne (brother-in-law John); niece Michelle (Michael); great-nephew Mason; great-niece Makenzie; great-nephew Darries; nephew Quincy; brother Alfred; Aunt Audrey; Aunt Peggy; many cousins near and far; godson Kiley; close friends, neighbors, AKA sorors, and a host of others in her extensive extended family.

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