Carol T. Sharpe's Obituary
Carol Tennison Sharpe, 87, passed away peacefully at her home on September 5th, 2023. Known as the Champagne Lady to her family and friends, Carol always sparkled with a twinkle in her bright blue eyes. She was a life-long Memphian, born on December 26, 1935 to James and Erma Tennison. A graduate of the Hutchison School, Carol remained close with her classmates, and was a proud member of the Golden Bees Alumnae group. She was an accomplished pianist and began playing for Lindenwood Christian Church at the age of twelve. With a love for music and entertaining, Carol was a long-time member of The Gary Beard Chorale, and the Lindenwood Church Choir. She loved performing in the many concerts and special events and held close to her heart all the singers and musicians that she called friends.
An honor student at Southern Methodist University, Carol was a member of Tri Delta Sorority, and graduated with high honors from Louisiana State University. Her love of history and geography led to a fulfilling career as a group travel consultant where she organized and led many lucky travelers on adventures around the world. Her all-time favorite trip was to see the animals of Africa with the love of her life and husband, Charles K. Sharpe, and her best friend and Hutchison classmate, Jane Barton. She and Charles also loved spending time at their home in Eleuthera, Bahamas. When Carol’s girls were younger, she spent much of her time traveling the US to attend her daughter’s horseshows. Always excited to embark on an excursion with her family and friends, Carol organized yearly trips to New York City to enjoy Broadway shows and the Christmas season. Her favorite New York City experience was singing at Carnegie Hall.
Very philanthropic with her time and resources, Carol loved supporting Memphis arts, especially Theater Memphis and the Orpheum. She was a member of many musical organizations including Lindenwood Music and the Symphony League. A dedicated supporter of cultural organizations in Memphis, she especially loved Dixon Gallery and the Memphis Zoo. Carol was a sustaining member of LeBonheur Club and was also an active member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Arawata Garden Club. She was a lifetime member of Lindenwood Christian Church where she served as a Deacon.
Carol is preceded in death by her husband, Charles, her parents, and three brothers. Her passing is mourned by her three daughters, Tabb Humphreys, Kelly Cunningham (Bruce) and Vivian Beaty (Stan), and stepchildren Lynda Maxey (Jerry), Cynthia Sharpe, Charles Kenneth Sharpe, Jr., and Rebecca Sharpe. She will be greatly missed by her eight grandchildren and their spouses. Christmas will surely be a little less festive with the absence of our Grammie.
A memorial service will be held at Lindenwood Christian Church at 11:00 am, Friday, September 8th, followed by a reception at Stauffer Hall. To all that cherished Carol, you know how special Fridays were to her. We invite you to join us this Friday, in your brightly colored outfit, for a special musical celebration of her life.
The family requests that any memorial donations be made to Lindenwood Ministry of Music Discretionary Fund, or Theatre Memphis.
What’s your fondest memory of Carol?
What’s a lesson you learned from Carol?
Share a story where Carol's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Carol you’ll never forget.
How did Carol make you smile?