Sharlene Anne Parr, 86, of Fayetteville, entered the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, in the early morning hours of Jan. 9, 2023, after a long illness. She had been eagerly awaiting her glory day for as long as her family can remember. Her husband, Robert Parr, cared for her tenderly until the end.
Sharlene spent most of her life serving others, particularly her own family. She was the perfect homemaker. She kept a tidy and inviting home, fixed yummy meals, and devoted herself to her family. Sharlene also distinguished herself as a sender of cards, and she was unmatched in that endeavor. It was one of her favorite ways to show love. That and fixing food. She was always generous, always caring, and always showering others with acts of kindness.
After her children left the home, she pursued further education, graduating with honors from Cortland State University with a BS in English. She did significant work on a master’s degree as well. She always loved to read and learn, and she taught school for several years.
When she was thirty-five years old, she heard the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ and trusted Him as her personal Savior. From that point on, for over fifty years, she was faithful to read God’s Word, to attend and serve in a local church, and to be a godly example to her family and friends.
Sharlene was the heart of the family, and her absence will always be felt. She wanted her homegoing to be a time of rejoicing, so her family will celebrate her life on Jan. 21 at Open Door Baptist Church in New Woodstock. Visitation is from 10 a.m. – noon; the memorial service starts at noon.
Sharlene is survived by her husband, Robert Parr; her six children and their families: Steve and Michele Tennant (Nathaniel and Jane, Angelica, Priscilla, Jeremiah), Daniel and Karen Tennant (Christopher and Danielle, Andrew and Lisa, Bethany, Megan and Jeremy), Brian Tennant and Loreta Miller (Kelsey and Paden), Gary Tennant (Erica and Sidney, Perla, Sharon, Alex), Shari and Jeff Pill (Sarah and Chip, Hannah and Bridger, Taylor) and Judy and Dave Mahony (Ryan, Marisa and Kenny, Julia and Patrick, Davis); her stepdaughter and her family, Margaret and Jeff Mael (Lynsey); sixteen great grandchildren: Jackson, Connor, Owen, Grace, Andrew Jr, Adam, Josiah, Natalia, Susannah, Caroline, Ella, Olive, Grayson, Callie, Asher and Thatcher; her siblings and siblings-in-laws, Nora Bennett, Charles and Bonnie Bennett, Lyle Seaman, and Carole Bennett; and many nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her first husband Harvey Tennant, four siblings and her parents, Charles and Wauletta Bennett.
Contributions can be made to Open Door Baptist Church (New Woodstock) or Hospice of Central NY.
