Sharlene Sharpe Love quietly passed away on Sunday, June 29, 2025, in Pell City, Alabama, surrounded by her family. Sharlene resided in Lincoln, AL at Carillon Oaks Assisted Living and formerly lived in Trussville, Anniston and Piedmont. Sharlene was 91 years wise, as she so often reminded her family and friends.

Sharlene was born to Luther and Jessie Williamon on July 31, 1933 in Cave Spring, Georgia and was the youngest of six children. As a baby, after suddenly losing her sweet mother, Sharlene went to live with relatives, Emmette and Mildred Sharpe, in Piedmont, Alabama. It was here that she was adopted by them, grew up and graduated Piedmont High School. Upon graduation, Sharlene attended API, now Auburn University, where she sang for The Auburn Knights, pledged Delta Zeta sorority and graduated with a degree in Home Economics and Education. She was employed with the State of Alabama for many years, including The Extension Service in both Pell City and Opelika. While in Pell City, she met her future husband, Herschel David Love, Jr. (Bubba). Together, they reared their two daughters, Fayne and Sharel. Sharlene was a beloved teacher and guidance counselor for several decades. Many of her students stayed in contact with her for years after graduating and continued to be encouraged by her. Sharlene taught for many years in Piedmont, while earning her Master’s Degree in Guidance Counseling from Jacksonville State University. She worked with the Department of Human Resources (DHS) in Calhoun County, was employed as an educator at Gadsden State, Holt High School, and retired from Munford High School, in Talladega County. Sharlene greatly loved animals and was an advocate for them throughout her life. She loved all things Auburn and bled orange and blue. She would rather be in Auburn than anywhere else! Sharlene loved a cup of strong, black coffee, desserts and watching the birds. She was an avid reader and especially enjoyed murder mysteries. While in her eighties, she decided to write her own book and was proud to be a published author. Sharlene was a member of Pell City New Life Methodist Church.

Sharlene was preceded in death by her husband, Herschel D. Love, Jr., her birthparents, Luther and Jessie Williamon, her parents, Emmette and Mildred Sharpe, brothers Hugh Williamon, Emmett Williamon, Dean Williamon, sisters Telula W. Langston and Catherine W. Blair.

Sharlene, more lovingly called Mom and Mimi, is survived by her two daughters and sons in law, Fayne Love Howle (Joe) and Sharel Love Laidig (Andy), grandsons Payton Howle, Jackson Howle (Jeanette), Mark Laidig, Dr. William Laidig (Sydney), great grand-daughter Sophia Howle, several dear nieces and nephews, family and friends.

Sharlene was a faithful contributor and member of ASPCA, whose mission is to ensure the safety and well-being of animals nationwide, therefore, in lieu of flowers, Sharlene requested donations be sent to www.aspca.org/donate “to help the many animals who cannot help themselves.”

Online donations may be made at www.aspca.org/donate or by mail to:

ASPCA

PO Box 96929

Washington, DC 20090-6929.

Sharlene was a good mother and Mimi, and she will be greatly missed.

A small graveside service will be held on Thursday, July 10th at 10:00am, at Highlands Cemetery in Piedmont, AL. Visitation will be 1:00pm until 2:00pm on July 10, Usrey Funeral Home, 21271 US-231, Pell City, AL.