Sharon Smith passed away on Thursday, November 6th at her home in Timonium. She was 80 years old.

Born in Indio, California, she was the daughter of Billy Smith and Rebecca Steele. She attended Keuka College in upstate New York, and began her career as a beloved English teacher in Saddle Brook, NJ.

During that time, she met her future husband, Alex ("Sandy") Smith. When he asked for a date, Sharon said she was busy grading papers. He solved that by bringing over a large calculator with adding tape— and six weeks later, they were engaged. Miss Smith wrote her new married name on the chalkboard: Mrs. Smith!

"The mold was broken with Sharon. There was no one like her," her husband Sandy said.

After moving to Maryland, Sharon assisted William Donald Schaefer, Mayor of Baltimore City and then Governor of Maryland, as a script writer for his volunteer recognition program— starting with Baltimore's Best in 1977. In typical Sharon fashion, she volunteered her time to honor other volunteers. With that, Governor Schaefer proclaimed January 27, 1985 as "Sharon Smith Recognition Day" in Baltimore.

As a graduate of Goucher College's Women in Management program, she worked for 17 years at Black and Decker as a Human Resources executive. She built strong connections there, recruiting engineers and creating the company's first diversity awareness training program.

At the age of 50, Sharon obtained her Masters in Theology from the Ecumenical Institute at St. Mary's Seminary and became an ordained minister. She was Founder and Pastor of The Gathering of Baltimore for the last 25 years. In this role, she led weekly worship services, Bible studies, monthly retreats and book discussions.

Sharon was a nourisher of souls. She welcomed everyone to the table, both figuratively and literally.  "Sharon lit up every room without needing to be at the center of it. She made space for everyone, regardless of faith, politics, or perspective. She listened more than she spoke, asked thoughtful questions, and approached everyone with compassion," friend Michele Welsh shared.

Since the day her college librarian gave her $400 to cover her tuition, she spent every moment paying it forward. She served on UMBC's Undergraduate Board as well as Maryland New Directions and Baltimore Station. She was a founder of the Greater Homewood Interfaith Alliance and a member of the Roland Park Clergy, the Eclectic Club, and the Baltimore Women's Forum.

Sharon was fun and lived life to the fullest. She loved reading, going to the theatre and art museum, watching Orioles and Ravens games, dining on perfectly cooked eggplant, and completing the Sunday New York Times puzzle...in pen.

More than anything, Sharon loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She enjoyed celebrating the holidays and birthdays and didn't hold back-- she kept Party City in business! She didn't aim for perfection; she aimed to create joy-filled moments and meaningful connections.

Sharon was a beacon of light for so many of us. She was one of God's beautiful servants. She used her gifts to help others develop their gifts. Each of us is better for having known her.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, November 22 at 11 AM at University Baptist Church , 3501 North Charles Street. Survivors include her husband Sandy; two daughters, Heather Harvison (Tony Vittoria) of Baltimore, MD and Amy Smith DiBari of Timonium, MD; and three grandchildren Ryan Harvison, Kathryn DiBari and Jake DiBari.

In lieu of flowers, we invite you to honor Sharon through contributions to Sisters Circle or Baltimore Station .

Live stream: Live Stream Link

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=CXAXoJWF9sg