Laurita Amy Collie Sharpp (Rita) was born in West Palm Beach, FL to Elizabeth M. Bethune and Dr. Warren Hale Collie on Mary 8, 1923.  Laurita was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Eldridge Theodore Sharpp Jr. (“Sharpp”) and her son, Eldridge Theodore Sharpp III (“Pug”).  She lived a long and fruitful life, passing away at the age of 97 at her home in West Palm Beach, Florida.

Laurita was raised in West Palm Beach and graduated from Boylan-Haven School for Girls in Jacksonville, FL in 1940.  After high school, Laurita graduated from Fisk University in Nashville, TN where she pledged Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. in 1942, and also met her future husband, “Sharpp”.  The couple married in September 1944 and immediately left for their respective graduate schools; Laurita to University of Chicago and Sharpp to his last year at Meharry Medical School.  In 1945, they graduated from their respective schools and began their married life as a couple, eventually having four children — Karen Collie Sharpp (“Kay”), Eldridge Theodore Sharpp III (“Pug”), Warren Hale Collie Sharpp, and Kurt Olen Sharpp.  Early in their marriage, the couple lived, briefly, in the Everglades of Southern Florida, as well as, Lima, Ohio; and in 1948, settled in Akron, Ohio, where they lived for more than 40 years before returning to West Palm Beach to spend their retirement years in Laurita’s family home.

Laurita’s life was full and active in Akron.  In 1954, she was appointed director of the new modern expansion of the Wooster Branch Library — the first person of color to hold the honor.  In 1956, Laurita gave birth to her fourth child and decided to retire.  But that was short-lived when the assistant principal of Thornton Junior High School persuaded her to assume the position of the school librarian.  Thus began Laurita’s long and rewarding career as a librarian for the Akron Public School System.

In addition to her work as a librarian, Laurita was active in the Civil Rights Movement, although often behind the scenes; as well as, being a founding member of the Akron Chapter of Jack & Jill of America, and a member of The Links, Incorporated (an international volunteer service organization). While working a full-time job during the week, Laurita spent her weekends involved with her children’s activities.

In later years, Laurita and her husband took up sailing — initially on Lake Erie and later in West Palm Beach.  In addition, in their 70’s, Laurita and her husband bought computers and taught themselves to use them.  She loved spending time with her family, be it her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, or one of her beloved dogs.  Being surrounded by her loved ones brought her great joy.   (continued next page)