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Sharon Lynn McCarthy

October 09, 1964 - September 11, 2024

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Obituary For Sharon Lynn McCarthy

Sharon Lynn McCarthy, age 59, passed away on September 11, 2024, at WakeMed Hospital in Raleigh, North Carolina. Born on October 9, 1964, in Peoria, Illinois, she was the beloved daughter of the late Norma and Willis Haare.

Sharon is survived by her husband of 33 years, William McCarthy, and their three children: • Molly Ingraham (husband Kyle) • Jacob McCarthy (wife Gabby) • Hayley Dougher (husband Zach) She also leaves behind her sisters Janet Perez and Kathy McCorkle, as well as her cherished grandchildren, Luke and Maeve Ingraham, and many beloved nieces and nephews. Sharon was predeceased by her sister Carol Miles.

Sharon attended Illinois Valley Central High School and later graduated from Bradley University in 1986 with a degree in Psychology. She pursued a Master’s Degree in school psychology from Illinois State University, graduating in 1989, and worked as a school psychologist in El Paso, Illinois. Sharon’s passion for helping others extended to a second career in nursing. In 2014, she enrolled at Duke University where she graduated Summa Cum Laude with a nursing degree. Sharon worked as a NICU nurse at Duke Hospital in Durham, North Carolina, and was certified as a Nurse Coach shortly before her passing.

Sharon married William (Bill) McCarthy on July 6, 1991, in Bloomington, Illinois. Together, they raised their family as they moved from Illinois to Michigan, then Colorado, before finally settling in Raleigh, North Carolina in 2004. Sharon was most known for her faith in Jesus, her kindness, and her gentle, giving nature. She was a lifelong learner, always seeking ways to grow spiritually, intellectually, and emotionally. Sharon had an eye for design and fashion, and her home was a reflection of her impeccable taste. She was passionate about Duke basketball, the St. Louis Cardinals, and long walks in nature, often clocking a 12-minute mile. Her favorite place in the world was her family’s lake house at Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia, where she spent many mornings and evenings watching the sunrise or sunset with her Bible and her two beloved dogs, Huddleston and Oliver.

In line with her generosity and desire to help others, Sharon was able to donate her organs following her passing, continuing to make a profound difference in the lives of others.

Sharon’s laughter, love of family, and deep, soulful conversations made her an anchor for her loved ones. She adored her grandchildren and cherished time spent with them.

A memorial service celebrating Sharon’s life will be held at Seven Marks Church in Raleigh, NC, at 11 a.m. on September 23, 2024. A luncheon will follow (location TBD).

Sharon will be cremated, and as per her wishes, there will be no burial.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the donor’s charity of choice in Sharon’s honor.

Services

23 Sep

Memorial Service

11:00 AM

Seven Marks Church 3500 Spring Forest Road Raleigh, North Carolina 27616 Get Directions »
23 Sep

Gathering of Family & Friends with Full Buffet Lunch

12:00 PM - 03:00 PM

North Ridge Country Club 6612 Falls of Neuse Road Raleigh, NC 27615 Get Directions »
by Obituary Assistant

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Condolences

  • October 02, 2024

    Dearest McCarthy family, There are no words..we are just devastated to hear this news. Sharon was such a kind, gracious and beautiful soul with a servants heart. We loved her warm smile and sparkle when she entered a room-she was a bright light, who was kind to everyone. We have such fond memories of times shared together in the Timbers. We send our deepest condolences, thoughts and prayers. Love, Sue & Scott Shutack

  • September 23, 2024

    My son, Noah, went to NRCA and UNCW with Molly and my son, Nathan, went to NRCA with Hayley. I am so sorry for your loss and please know our family will keep you all in our prayers.

  • September 23, 2024

    My deepest sympathy and love to Sharon's Family. She was a kind and beautiful soul and she lit up a room with her smile . I know your hearts are broken. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers as you celebrate her life today. God Bless you and comfort you , Cindy Shane

  • September 20, 2024

    Dearest McCarthy Family, We are deeply so very sorry for your precious loss. Sharon sure lit up a room with her kind heart & smile. There was never a time when I did not see her with a beautiful smile on her face. May the Lord blanket you all in comfort & peace. Love, Dena & Todd Vore

  • September 17, 2024

    I have such fond memories of Sharon living right around the corner from us on Walnut. I read this with great sadness, but am lifted remembering her infectious giggle and laughter. For Sharon's family I pray for your heavy hearts, but know you're celebrating her life with fantastic memories. Peace to you all.

  • September 17, 2024

  • September 17, 2024

    Always had light in her eyes, her laugh, her voice. She radiated beauty and peace in all things. An inspiration to many, she leaves a thumbprint on her hearts and example to life better

  • September 17, 2024

    Sharon was one of the most genuinely kind and caring individuals I've ever had the privilege of knowing. Growing up near her and going to both grade school and high school together, I always admired how she made everyone around her feel seen and valued. Even though we hadn't seen or spoken to each other in several years, I never doubted that she was still the same incredible person I remembered—kind, compassionate, and deeply devoted to her faith. Sharon had a heart of gold, and her love for others was evident in everything she did. Her deep devotion to Jesus guided her actions, and it was clear she was loved by so many, a reflection of the countless lives she touched. Sharon's kindness wasn't just an act; it was who she was at her core. Her memory will always be cherished by those of us who were fortunate enough to know her, as she truly made the world a better place by simply being herself.

  • September 17, 2024

    I am heartbroken to hear the news about Sharon. To her children, she adored you! She had no greater joy than being a mother (and grandmother). She was my first friend in the Duke TCN. People got us mixed up all the time calling her Sheila and me Sharon. I think it happened so often we stopped correcting people. We bonded because of our love for Jesus, our families, and those babies. I knew when Sharon was at work it was going to be a great day! I loved her dearly! I know she is up in Heaven rocking my baby today. That gives me great comfort. Praying for all of you!

  • September 17, 2024

    We are praying for each of you. We ask that The Lord envelops you in His loving arms and saturating peace. ❤️

  • September 17, 2024

    We loved you Sharon and your love of God and family. You will forever be remembered in our hearts. Mike & Rhonda

  • September 17, 2024

    To all of Sharon's loved ones, we are so sorry for your heartbreaking loss. We hope we can gather with some of you at a later date. We love you, and we are here for you. Dirk and Linda Kuhlmann Shipman

  • September 17, 2024

    Janet I'm so sorry for your loss. It sounds like she was a beautiful soul. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Suzie (Young) Miller

  • September 17, 2024

    I shared many classes with Sharon throughout my school years. My sympathies go out to her family and friends. May you rest peacefully in heaven.

Tributes

  • 5 TREES

    Marshall Zimmerman planted 5 trees in memory of Sharon Lynn McCarthy . - September 23, 2024

  • Your Light Shines

    LaTasche Caldwell sent Your Light Shines for Sharon Lynn McCarthy - September 18, 2024

    With deepest sympathy, May these flowers bring a small measure of comfort during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. In loving memory, IQVIA Girlies

  • 10 TREES

    Jennie Welner planted 10 trees in memory of Sharon Lynn McCarthy . - September 18, 2024

  • The Peace Lily

    Amy Hunter sent The Peace Lily for Sharon Lynn McCarthy - September 18, 2024

    Our deepest sympathies and prayers are with you during this time. Tim & Julie Clinton and the AACC Family

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