With heavy hearts, we remember Sharon Barnes Bockmon who was welcomed into the arms of Jesus on February 23rd, at the age of 72, surrounded by her beloved family. Sharon lived fully and loved deeply and with her warmth, generosity and unmistakable spark, inspired everyone fortunate enough to know her.

From the time Sharon was a young child, it was clear that the stage would always be part of her story. She delighted in casting neighborhood children in the plays she would write and direct, transforming her family’s covered carport into her very first theater. That instinct—to captivate, uplift, and bring joy to others—would shape the arc of her life.  She attended Gresham Park Elementary School and Walker High School in Atlanta, where she cheered, held honors in clubs and was voted Homecoming Queen, Miss Civitan, and Senior Superlative—distinctions reflecting not only her leadership, but the brightness she brought to those around her. After graduating, she attended the University of West Georgia and later earned her Master’s degree in Education from Georgia State University. There, she served as Delta Zeta Sorority’s Activities Director and represented the sorority in the university’s talent scholarship pageant winning the GSU title. This led to the Miss Atlanta Pageant, where she was awarded both “Most Congenial” and “Best Talent” –fitting tributes to both her warmth and artistry. 

A career in education followed, ultimately spanning 35 years teaching in DeKalb, Fulton, and Cobb County Public Schools, as well as Eastside Christian School. In her classroom, lessons were never merely delivered—they were brought to life. By blending academics with her theatrical instincts, she turned learning into an experience that her students carried with them long after the bell rang. A parent recognized her extraordinary presence and recruited her to serve as national spokesperson for Oscar de la Renta and Perry Ellis fragrances at Parfums Stern. That opportunity launched an exciting chapter in New York City, where Sharon’s charismatic personality shone on a national stage.  

Later, Sharon returned to the field of education in Atlanta, where her most meaningful role awaited: wife and mother, raising her two sons, Trey and Keaton–truly the center of her world–and married her beloved husband David. Together, they built a family and life rooted in faith, love and laughter. During these years, her passion for theater found fresh purpose as Drama Co-Director at Mabry Middle School, where she cultivated a flourishing program and produced numerous sold-out musicals. Under her guidance—and that of her co-director—the department was highly acclaimed. More importantly, Sharon nurtured confidence and courage in countless students, several of whom would go on to pursue careers on Broadway and beyond, carrying her encouragement with them. It was only natural that her instinct to foster and celebrate the distinct strengths in every child would lead her to teach learning challenged students at Mabry. There, she brought the same creativity and heart to students who needed it most—breaking into song mid-lesson, weaving humor into hard moments, and helping children discover confidence in learning. A colleague of Sharon’s wrote: “Every time I say a song lyric while teaching I expect you to bust through the door singing in grand Broadway style. The ripple effect you created in kids that thought they had been left behind because they learned differently always brought tears of wonder to my eyes.”

Sharon’s love of performance remained inseparable from her faith. At Eastside Baptist Church, she served in the choir and graced the stage in several theatrical productions, bringing her wit and boundless energy to every role. Later, at Johnson Ferry Baptist Church, she served in the choir until her health prevented it. Her faith was not only something she professed—it animated her life. Whether under stage lights, sanctuary lights, or simply gathered with friends, she had a rare gift: making people feel seen, welcomed, and part of something joyful and meaningful.

Retirement from teaching in 2020 did not dim her spotlight or enthusiasm. She continued appearing in local theater productions and enjoyed many trips to NYC where she shared her love for all things Broadway with her adoring nieces. But, her most cherished audience became her two beautiful granddaughters, who filled her days with laughter and pride. With them—as throughout her life—she embraced her greatest calling: bringing joy to others. A life lived fully. A heart given generously. And now, having shared her light so freely, she takes her final bow—leaving the stage brighter than she found it. As one friend proclaimed: “Get ready Heaven!”

Born in Anniston, Alabama on August 15, 1953, to Daniel H. Barnes and Mary Edna Searcy Barnes (deceased), Sharon is survived by her husband, David Bockmon; her sons, Trey Monroe of Atlanta, Keaton Monroe (Delaney) and granddaughters, Harper and Georgia Monroe of Austin TX; her sister, Dana Barnes (Dale) Westhoff and nieces, Ruby and Clio Westhoff of New York, NY. 

A celebration of life service will be held on March 14, 2026 at 11am.

Visitation and Reception will follow.  

Johnson Ferry Baptist Church

955 Johnson Ferry Road

Marietta, GA 30068

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:

The American Cancer Society

www.cancer.org

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