On December 25, Sharon D. Vest, daughter of former General Overseer Dr. Lamar Vest, passed from this life to her eternal presence with Christ. It is a difficult challenge to say goodbye to someone you love and cherish, especially during the Christmas season. As an expression of sincere love and appreciation for the Vest family, the Church of God wishes to affirm Sharon’s life and share with everyone an enduring tribute.
Sharon, a resident of Cleveland, TN, was born December 27, 1959 in Spartanburg, S.C. She was a loving, caring, and giving individual, who always was more concerned about the welfare of others, rather than her own. Sharon was a graduate of Lee University with a degree in accounting. During her career, she worked in business for several years before being declared medically disabled.
She was deeply loved and will be greatly missed by her family and all her friends. It was Sharon’s spoken and written request that her memorial be a private family graveside service. As a token of honor, the family followed her request.
Her mother, the late Iris Brownlee Vest, preceded Sharon in death. She is survived by her father, Dr. R. Lamar Vest; stepmother, Vickie Vest; daughter, Christy Bedford Garmany; grandson, Skylar Gilliam; sister, Rhonda McClure (Rick McClure); brother, Mark Vest (Lindsay Vest); aunt, Brenda Hess (Larry Hess); uncles, Earl (Mildred) and Keith (Larinda) Brownlee of South Carolina; and several nieces and nephews.
In times such as these, Christian believers experience tears of sorrow and tears of joy. A natural part of life is to share tears of sorrow losing someone loved dearly. In contrast, there are tears of joy knowing they have received a heavenly crown of righteousness. The entire Church of God sends prayers calling for the comforting presence of the Holy Spirit to be with the Vest family. Sharon has left these earthly bonds and now dwells in the presence of the Lord. She lived a life loving Christ, dedicated to serving, devoted to family, and Sharon leaves a lasting legacy!