Obituary

Mary Owens Sharpe, 67, former Plainview resident, departed this life Monday, Jan. 6, 2014, after a brief illness. Graveside services will be held at 12:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 10, 2014, in Plainview Memorial Park with Dr. Travis Hart officiating. Arrangements are under the care of Kornerstone Funeral Directors of Plainview. Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 9, 2014, at the funeral home. Born in Buna, Texas, to James V. (Ted) and Willie Ruth (Denman) Owens on Aug. 14, 1947, Mary grew up in Jasper, graduating from the public schools in 1965. She completed her bachelor's degree in elementary education at Wayland Baptist College in 1969. She taught fifth grade at College Hill Elementary School for three years before she met and married Ken Sharpe in Plainview in 1973. They moved to Oklahoma City, where Ken has been a court reporter for more than 40 years, and Mary went to work at the church, serving five pastors during her time there. Before her retirement Mary was pastor's secretary at Village Baptist Church in Oklahoma City for 40 years. Dr. Hershel Hobbs, Southern Baptist author and former pastor of First Baptist Church, Oklahoma City, engaged her to type his book manuscripts and Sunday school lessons during the last 15 years of his life. Mary is survived by her husband Ken Sharpe; sister Dr. Estelle Owens of Plainview; brother Bo of Temple; niece Amanda Owens-Debler and husband Christoph of Nuremberg, Germany; nephew Jake, wife Amanda and son Jack of Lubbock; sister-in-law Donna Heard and husband Herb of San Angelo; many cousins; and numerous friends. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to the Peggy and Charles Stephenson Cancer Center at the University of Oklahoma in Oklahoma City, American Cancer Society or Wayland Baptist University. Condolences may be made at www.kornerstonefunerals.com.