Shirley McKinley Sharpe

Mrs. Shirley Juanita McKinley Sharpe, 85, passed away on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Home. She was born on October 1, 1940, the daughter of the late Melvin Lee McKinley and Minnie Cleo Day McKinley. Shirley was a devout Christian and member of Capella Church of Christ, where she loved her church family deeply. She was co-owner and operator of Sharpe’s Printing Service for over 35 years. Shriley was also a hairdresser for Thalheimer’s for many years. She earned an elite designation award for her hair dressing abilities at a ceremony in New York. Shirley loved all animals, but her passion was horses, showing in western on her favorite mare, “April”. One of her favorite events every year was watching the Kentucky Derby. In her adventurous spirit, Shirley drove a “Powder Puff Car” at Bowman Gray Speedway and traveled all over the United States and parts of Canada on a motorcycle with her Goldwing Motorcycle Group. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Bryant Sharpe; a granddaughter, Christy Gentry; a brother, William “Bill” McKinley; and a sister, Joyce Hill. She is survived by her son, George “Bucky” Gentry, Jr. (Cindy); a step-daughter, Donna Fiori; a step-son, Jeff Sharpe; three grandchildren, David Fiori (Stephanie), Danielle Fiori (Mitch Trent) and Maria Sharpe; five great-grandchildren, Layla Joyce, Lexi Fiori, Connor Fiori, Louis Fiori and Luca Fiori (who is on the way); a sister, Linda McKinley Burcham; her beloved canine companion, Kassie and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. Monday, May 11, 2026, at Capella Church of Christ with Rev. Jim Miller officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1:00-2:00 prior to the service at Capella Church of Christ. The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the doctors and staff on the 9th Floor at Forsyth Medical Center and to the wonderful staff of Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Breast Cancer Foundation, Trellis Supportive Care or to the charity of the donor’s choice.