Sharon Kaye Tipton Hulin of Shawnee, Oklahoma passed away on May 15, 2024.  Sharon spoke often about the MANY blessings she had in her life and shared reflections on those in a beautiful letter she wrote before her passing.

Sharon was born on February 24, 1945, in Shawnee, Oklahoma.  She was the oldest daughter of Lydle Lee Tipton and Alene Cornelia Drain Tipton.  Sharon wrote, "My parents could not afford to give us material things, but they taught us to appreciate the important things and always act like ladies. My younger sisters, Deborah Ann Brooks, and Myra Lynn Gordon, have been a constant source of strength and love.  When our mother was ill, we shared the responsibilities of her care and shared our love for her.  Myra and I shared the joys of our children and Aunt Deborah was loved by all of them and always involved in their lives."

Sharon married Jerry Glenn Hulin on June 8, 1963.  Sharon wrote, "I was married to my best friend, Jerry, for 45 years.  I was lucky to share many beautiful memories and love with him.  He was the perfect husband, Dad, Papa, Brother, and Uncle.  His life was dedicated to his family and their happiness.  He enjoyed life to the fullest and I was so lucky to share this journey with him.  We had so much fun and so many adventures together.  Neither he nor I had any regrets about not living life to its fullest."  Jerry and Sharon had three children, Christopher Shannon Hulin, Kristi Lynn Hulin Gavlik, and Christopher Todd Hulin.

Sharon graduated from Shawnee High School in 1963 and received her Bachelor's Degree from East Central University while living in married housing and "helping" Jerry through school.  She had numerous careers throughout her life, including teaching elementary school, being a stay-at-home mom for many years, and working as a social worker for DHS.  But her favorite and most rewarding job was as the owner and Administrator for Allied Home Health.  Sharon said, "My staff at Wagoner were so good that I was never really needed there.  They are like family to me, and I hope their lives are always good."

Affectionately known as Nanny, Sharon's most precious blessings were her grandchildren (Jake Van Hooser, Brett Van Hooser, Josie Van Hooser, Brianna Gavlik Cruz, and Cheraden Gavlik Norman).  Sharon wrote, "They have been the light of our lives.  There are so many happy moments they brought to Jerry and me.  I hope they will always remember all the fun times we had.  They loved me to tell them stories before going to sleep and did not like me singing the song they had to hear before I would let them go to sleep–I love you a bushel and a peck –I love them all so much."

Sharon's daughter, Kris, inherited her stubborn streak, sometimes resulting in typical mother-daughter conflict.  The apple didn't fall far from the tree, which was their relationship's greatest blessing and weakness! Kris and Sharon shared a sweet bond built on deep love, friendship, and teasing. They always took great care of each other. Kris's husband Randy Gavlik, was also very special to Sharon.  She said, " Kristi was right when she said that Jerry would never have left us until Randy came into our lives to help us.  Randy has done a wonderful job of taking care of me with so many things, and we are so lucky to have him in our family."

Sharon had a few special friends with whom she shared many laughs.  She said, "My sister-in-law, Donna was a blessing to me.  We had our love of Jerry to bond us closely, and she was always there to help me through tough times.  She understood better than most, just how much I had lost when Jerry passed.  My best friends, Jonnie and Linda, shared much laughter with me and knew all my thoughts and dreams.  Life would have been so dull without them in my life. I picture us sitting in our rocking chairs at the nursing home, remembering our fun times."

Sharon's greatest passion besides her family was traveling.  She and Jerry saw much of America while driving their Coach and traveled extensively in Europe.  Her annual girls' trips and special trips with Kristi, Randy, and the grandkids were also a highlight of her life.  She also enjoyed playing cards with friends and enjoyed an occasional limoncello martini. Sharon was a connoisseur of pimento cheese and single-handedly kept Sonic in business.  Everyone who knew her knows you did not show up to visit her without a Route 44 Diet Coke with 8 limes in your hand for her.  Sharon always told you what she thought, even if you did not really want to hear it.

In recent years, Nanny's family had grown to include Bree's husband, Mark Cruz, and her first cherished great-grandson, Gray Moses Cruz, of whom she was incredibly proud, and Cheraden's husband, Jack Norman, who she said was her "favorite person to cheer on the Oklahoma Sooners with!"

In the last few years, Sharon's battle with Type 1 Diabetes was getting the best of her.  However, her feistiness and stubbornness served her well, and she held on fiercely to her independence until the end. Sharon will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by many friends, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Tremendous heartfelt thanks go to the compassionate and exceptional nurses and therapists at Allied Home Health and Hospice.  A special thanks to Gina O'Hara, who was much more than a caregiver for Sharon.   She provided a sense of humor and friendship for Sharon and sanity for Kristi over the last few months.  Many thanks also to the wonderful staff at Trinity Woods Nursing Center.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share a toast to one of OUR greatest blessings,

Sharon Kaye Hulin

Celebration of Life Cocktail Reception*

The Mayo Hotel

Parlour Room

115 W 5th Street

Monday, May 20

3:00 pm to 6:00 pm

*Business Casual Attire - Bonus Points for Anything Yellow

In closing, Sharon wanted us all to know "I will miss you so much, but I promise I will be watching over you.  When you think of me, please smile and be happy for me.  Think of all the funny times and all the crazy things I have said and done.  You all made me so happy.  I was so blessed."

Sharon was preceded in death by her parents, her loving husband, Jerry,  son Christopher Shannon, sister Deborah Brooks and sister-in-law Donna Stanford.

The family extends their deepest appreciation for all the prayers and requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in honor of Sharon Hulin to 111Project supporting local Oklahoma families and vulnerable children in crisis. To contribute go 111project.org/donate   or checks can be made Alternatively checks can be mailed to 111Project Inc., PO Box 54973, Oklahoma City, OK 73154.