Sharon Jackson Edlin

Sharon Jackson Edlin, 65, of Louisville, died Sunday at her home, surrounded by family.

She courageously fought a brutal battle with breast cancer that recurred in her lungs in May. She was preceded in death by the love of her life, Donnie Ray Edlin, and her parents, Ernest and Iris Jackson. She is survived and loved by many, including her daughters (Weents) Shanna Rae McGregor (Patrick) of Louisville who was her caregiver and Julie McGregor Carstens (Scott) of Dayton OH. Her sister, Karen "KK" Jackson, was by her side when she died. She lived for her "Grandweents", Mason Prott (Boyfriend), Tim McGregor (Guydie), Matthew Prott (Butchie/K-now) and Felicia Denney (Katydid) and her great-granddaughter Jaylin Nicole. She was a "bonus" mom for nearly 47 years to Glenna McGregor, Rick McGregor and John McGregor (Barb) and adored her other grandchildren Justin McGregor, Amber Terrill, Jackie Zakhir and Maurice Zakhir. She cherished Donnie Ray's children, Melissa and Donnie Michael. She dearly loved her former husband, David Thomas, who cared for her until the end. She's loved many furry companions throughout the years including her kitty Mox (fat girl).

Sharon was a medical office manager and medical transcriptionist for 40 years, working for a variety of physician practices and healthcare systems. She was employed by the Departments of Medicine and Ophthalmology at the University of Louisville, where she befriended her favorite boss, Dr. George John. She worked long hours and sacrificed much to provide her daughters with an education at St. Joseph Catholic School. Sharon was a member of St. Louis Bertrand Catholic Church where she sang in the choir and served as cantor. She often lit candles at St. Martin's in prayer for those she loved.

Sharon touched everyone she met and created funny, happy memories for all. She loved dancing (she taught her daughters to cha-cha and jitterbug when they were old enough to walk!) and music of all types. She's followed Louisville's own The Monarchs since 1964. She loved to chat (understatement) and her stories were the absolute best. Sharon was a talented creative writer with several fabulous novels in the works. No one made a better sandwich or foo-foo cup of coffee. She never met a stranger and was caring and generous to a fault. She loved the river and being on the Belle. Old Louisville ran deep in her veins and she was crazy about the Garvin Gate Blues Festival and St. James Art Fair; she spent many sunny days with the Grandweents at Central Park. Derby Day and "My Old Kentucky Home" were part of her heart while "Go Cards!" was part of her vocabulary.

She had been battling cancer for the better part of the last three years, always with courage and optimism. She was a woman of great faith in our Lord Jesus and was at peace. Her attitude was exemplary and admirable to those around her. She knew she was surrounded by the angels and now flies among them.
Her daughters would like to especially thank their "bonus" mom, Regina McGregor, and their father, Eddie McGregor, for loving their mother.

Sharon is irreplaceable and will be greatly missed. She would want you to know:
"Redbird, Redbird, pretty red head, let me see my sweetheart before I go to bed!"
"If you have the choice to be right or to be kind, always choose kindness."
"This too shall pass."

Memorial visitation will be held on Saturday, October 29, 2016 from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. at Newcomer Funeral Home East Chapel (235 Juneau Drive, Louisville, KY 40243) with a celebration of her life to start at 3 p.m. at the funeral home.

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