Magalyn Woody Sharpe

Magalyn Woody Sharpe was born in Dyersburg, Tennessee to the union of Israel Woody and Katherine Hickerson. Delores Woody, her older sister, preceded her in death. She graduated from the historic Sumner High School in 1946. Although she began her studies at the Lincoln School of Nursing in New York City, her interest in teaching prevailed and she returned to St. Louis, Missouri to enter Stowe Teachers College in 1947. She subsequently earned her Bachelor of Arts from Harris-Stowe Teachers College and her Master of Arts in Education from Webster University. Magalyn retired from teaching in 1990. She had an important influence on many students, some of whom continued their relationship with her as friends and colleagues later in life.

In St. Louis, Magalyn met a young policeman, Herbert Tony Sharpe. They married on February 13, 1949. To this union three children were born, a son and two daughters. Magalyn joined her husband's church, Washington Tabernacle Baptist Missionary Church. She was a Golden Life member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. In addition to supporting her children's various activities, she was active socially with her husband in the Couples Club. Her hobbies included Scrabble, crocheting, bowling and reading. She leaves to mourn her son, Herbert Jr. (Linda Q.), daughters Pamela Townsend (Arthur Sr.) and Linda D. Sharpe;. grandsons Austin and Arthur Jr., granddaughters Lindsey, Odessa and Billye; and great-grandchildren Christopher, Dejon, Cameron, Chase, Ashleigh, Jasmine, Joya, Benjamin, Maya, Nina, Bradley, Bellamy, Miles and CeCe (and grand dog, Abby) in addition to numerous devoted nephews, nieces, cousins and friends. Her warm smile, counsel and friendship will be missed by all.