Francis "Vanny" Sulvania Sharps' Obituary
Francis Sylvana Sharps, age 83 Known to most as "Vanny" and to some as "Slim", peacefully departed this earthly life to receive his crown of glory while under the care of the staff at Luminis Health AAMC on December 14, 2024. He was our hero. A devoted husband, a great dad, and an awesome pop-pop to his grandson Marquis. Francis was born to the late Mary Catherine Mackell and Thomas Columbia Sharps.
Francis joined the army shortly after graduating from Wiley H. Bates High School, the first and only school for Black children in Anne Arundel County at the time. As a youngster, he stayed at his grandfather's side working on the farm. In 1960, Francis met the love of his life, Helen who he married on August 1, 1964, which they recently had a 60th wedding anniversary this past August 1, 2024.
Francis was a hard-working man who was determined to provide for his wife and family. After serving two years in the army, "Vanny" worked for GE in Schenectady, NY where his lived for some years with his wife Helen and his daughter Cheryl before moving to Maryland where he became employed for the United States Naval Academy as Chief Electrician, dedicating 30 years for service before retiring in 1998. He also worked at Geengolds Men's Clothing Store "back in the day", as well as cleaning a few of the First Federal Savings & Loan Banks in the evenings. After retirement, he worked at Home Depot because he wasn't used to being idle. "Vanny was Known for his jokes, his stories, and his wisdom. And the 4th of July cookouts were "off the chain" with family coming from everywhere!
He was preceded in death by his mother Mary Catherine Johnson (Leon Johnson - Stepfather), Thomas Columbia Sharps (Father), Joyce Brown (Sister), Marshall Johnson (Brother), Jennet Jones (Sister), Leon Johnson (Brother), and Charolette Sharps (Sister).
He leaves to cherish his memories, his loving and devoted wife Helen L. Sharps, 4 children, Cheryl D. Thomas, Curtis Sharps, Doral D. Sharps and Markeeta L. Carr, 3 bonus daughters, Cheryl D. Coleman-Strong, Wanda L. Coleman and Janeen Tasker, 1 granddaughter, Shalonda Sharps, 4 grandsons, Derrin M. Brown, Marquis S. Carr, Derrick R. Brown, DeMario L. Brown, 3 bonus grandchildren, Jayita N. Williams, Kevin T. Matthews, and Lori J. Cook, 12 great-grandchildren, 1 daughter-in-law, Cordless Sharps, 5 sisters, Vivian Dorsey, Geraldine Poole (Richard Poole), Belinda Weldon (Col. Christopher Weldon), Linda Robinson and Nancy Russ, 1 brother, MacArthur Johsnon, 5 sister-in-laws, Constance N. Whales, Gail R. A. Randall-Wilson, Rose M. Anderson, Phillis Thomas and Shirl Johnson, 1 Brother -n-law Gene Randall, 1 special cousin, Delores R. Mooney, devoted friends William (Bill) Garrett and "The Breakfast Buddies" and a host of other relatives and friends.
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