Celebrating the Life of Sharon Kay Dunkley

October 15, 1956 – December 26, 2025

Today, with heavy hearts and gratitude to God, we celebrate the life of Sharon Kay Dunkley a woman whose love, faith, strength, and presence shaped our family in ways that will live on forever. On December 26, 2025, Sharon peacefully went home to be with the Lord after a brief battle with cancer at Summa Akron City Hospital. While we miss her deeply, we take comfort in knowing she is resting in the presence of the God she loved with all her heart.

Sharon was born on October 15, 1956, in Akron, Ohio, where she spent her life rooted in family and faith. She attended Akron Public Schools from kindergarten through 12th grade and proudly graduated from Buchtel High School Class of 1975.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Cora Elizabeth Jeney Dunkley and John Wilson Dunkley Sr., sister; Lorna Mae (Pruiett) Nurse and brother; Arthur Howard (Artie) Dunkley.

Sharon leaves to cherish her memory her adored one and only daughter; Tara (Quincy) Caress (Dunkley) Harvey of Jonesboro, Georgia. Her pride, her joy, and her heart. Sharon was a devoted and selfless mother, a constant source of encouragement and motivation. She supported her daughter in everything. Sharon was always there, ready to listen, to pray, and to love without conditions.

She also leaves to cherish her memory, her beloved siblings, John Wilson Dunkley Jr. of Akron, Ohio, Gwendolyn (Cindy) Nation of Akron, Ohio, Dr. Gregory (Judi) Hill of Copley, Ohio, and Jerry (Nikole) Dunkley of Chesapeake, Virginia, Grandchildren; Taylor Jeney Dunkley, Quincy Labron Harvey Jr., Capri Nicole Dunkley, Marquis Labron Harvey, and Samiyah Marie Harvey, as well as two great granddaughters Blaze Chestnut and Naomi Harvey. Sharon was so proud of and loved all of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren to the utmost, and there was never any doubt that the feeling was mutual. Her love was felt, seen and will always be remembered by a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends that she cherished.

Sharon shared a special bond with her best friend of over 30 years, Gereld Franklin, and her close friend Daniel Sherman, both of whom held a meaningful place in her life.

Sharon was known for her beautiful smile, her love for singing, and her deep appreciation for all types of music. In the early 1990s, she sang in a band, something she truly enjoyed and took pride in. Music was a lifelong passion and a source of joy for her.

She was also an avid reader who regularly studied health and healing, always eager to learn, grow, and take care of herself and those she loved. Sharon enjoyed watching movies—especially Christmas movies,  which brought excitement to the holiday season she cherished so much.

She spoke almost daily on the phone with her daughter, laughing and sharing videos and recipes from Tik Tok and Facebook. She often spent time with her best friend drinking coffee and staying up all night listening to music, and she always looked forward to Thanksgiving and Christmas to spend time with her family and the dressing.

Above all, Sharon knew and loved the Lord with all her heart. Her faith anchored her life, guided her choices, and sustained her through every season of her life. She trusted God completely, and that faith remains her greatest legacy.

Sharon Kay Dunkley was a loving mother, a devoted grandmother and great-grandmother, a caring sister, aunt, and friend and a faithful servant of God. Though our hearts ache, we thank God for the life she lived, the love she gave, and the memories we will treasure forever.