Theoartis Sharper

Theoartis Sharper was born on December 16, 1940, in Valdosta, GA, to the late Leila Mae Isom Sharper and the late R. L. Lane.

He received his education through the public school system. When Theoartis was a child, he spoke as a child, understood as a child and thought as a child: but when he became a man, he put away childish things.

On December 2, 1961, Theoartis, fondly called “Papa Sharp”, married Ms. Lillye Mae White. He became a husband and a father who loved deeply. “Papa Sharp” worked well over forty years in the logging industry to provide for his family. It was his strong beliefs that caused him to be a man that many would come to love, honor and respect: Protect your family; Put God first; Be a responsible man and Love your wife. Lastly, no matter what happened to him, his response would always be the same: “Everything lovely”.

On Monday, June 4, 2018, surrounded by his loving family, the Lord granted “Papa Sharp” eternal rest.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his sisters: Juanita Corbett, Vernita Woods and Marie; three brothers: Willie “Pappy”       Williams, Leroy Godfrey, Sr. and Earnest; two sisters-in-law: Pastor Mamie Lee Gordon and Eula Godfrey; and one brother-in-law: Johnny Oliver

Theoartis “Papa Sharp” Sharper leaves to cherish memories and celebrate his life, his loving and devoted wife of 56 years, Mrs. Lillye Mae White Sharper of Valdosta, GA; his six children: Bobby White (Tonya) of Jacksonville, FL, Gary Sharper (Cynthia), Shell Sharper Lawson (Johnny), Donna Sharper Lawson (Willie), Eric Sharper (Lisa) and State Rep. Dexter Sharper (Chequella), all of Valdosta, GA; one brother: Ned; his four sisters-in-law: Louise Oliver, Gladys Johnson (David Lee), Joann Pittman (Cleveland) and Dorothy Moore (Joseph); three brothers-in-law: Arthur White (Laverna), Ozell White (Winnie) and Ronnie White (Edith); special grandson and caregiver: Shi-Yaung Sharper; special nephew: Xavier Godfrey, Sr.; special cousins: Calvin Jones and Betty Ruth Tooley; special friends: Charles Manning, Daniel James and Bobby McDougal; seventeen grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends.

The Celebration of Life for the late Mr. Theoartis Sharper will be Saturday, June 09, 2018, 1:00 p.m., from the sanctuary of Crossing Jordan Baptist Church, 1401 Cypress Street, Valdosta, GA.

Interment will follow in the Harrington Rest Cemetery, Naylor, GA.

Public viewing will be Friday, June 08, 2018, 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., at Godfrey Funeral Home.