Sharon L. Wilks

There were many things to love about Sharon Wilks. It was the way she genuinely cared for others, and her friendly nature which made her a friend to all. Her greatest accomplishment was reflected in her gleaming eyes as she looked upon the two sons who blessed her life beyond compare. Their biggest fan, she was a team mom who proudly rooted them on in all their endeavors. Although her life was not without her share of sorrow and challenges, Sharon fought to the finish for those she loved ever so deeply. Times were quickly changing in the U.S. as the nation experienced post World War II prosperity. Industry and manufacturing were at an all time high, and with the baby boom well on its way, families were taking to the suburbs in massive numbers. Known as the greatest generation, Americans came through the perils of the Great Depression and succeeded through another world war, and were now ready to begin anew. For Lester and Geneva (Childress) Hittle of Muskegon, Michigan, it could not have been more true. In the summer of 1948, they celebrated the arrival of their third child on June 8, and lovingly named her Sharon Louise. Even though Sharon's father had his sights set on a boy, he immediately fell in love with his little bundle of baby girl. She was also welcomed by older siblings, Linda and Jerry. Having enjoyed a typical childhood for the times, her father worked as a millwright at Westran while her mother remained at home as a homemaker. They made their home on Waalkes Street in Muskegon Heights where Sharon shared endless adventures with neighborhood friends. She was especially close to Lyssa Boyd, and considered her a loyal, lifelong friend. Sharon attended Muskegon Heights schools where her outgoing and friendly ways were evident. Between her ninth and tenth grade years, however, she contracted rheumatic fever which would dampen the spirits of any thriving young girl. The only illness she experienced growing up, she was otherwise healthy. Sharon didn't let this roadblock stop her. She put her stubborn nature to good use, as she always did, and focused on becoming well. She received periodic injections, and after a time was able to return to school as long as she came right home. After being cleared from the effects of her illness, Sharon went on to become an energetic and fun-loving Tigers cheerleader. In school she enjoyed sewing class and made many outfits for herself and a cousin which were even displayed on stage. During this time her family took a memorable trip to visit her brother, Jerry who was stationed in California serving in the Marines. They traveled north enabling them to take in the wonders of Yellowstone National Park and the Hoover Dam, among others. Following their visit, they returned home from the south enjoying many sights along the way. Despite her earlier setback, Sharon went on to graduate from Muskegon Heights High School in 1966. Sharon soon took a job with Sealed Power, a good paying job for a young woman. Once she saved up enough and her father gave her the go ahead, she purchased a brand new Chevrolet. Her pride and joy, she reveled in her accomplishment of driving her very own yellow Chevy Malibu with its black top right off the lot. Sharon's hard work at Sealed Power, however, paid off in more ways than one. While working at the plant, Sharon met Gary Wilks who asked her out. They soon fell deeply in love and after a short engagement, they were married on September 9, 1967. With her loving husband by her side, Sharon could not have been happier, at least until she discovered she was expecting their first child. In 1970, they were overjoyed with the birth of their son, Gary, Jr. Sharon fit right into her role as mother. Along with being a devoted wife, loving mother, dedicated homemaker and her job outside the home, she fared well and kept all the details of their life in tact. Always fussy about her appearance, it didn't matter where she was going or what she was doing, Sharon liked keeping herself put together. Gary and Sharon raised their son in their home on LeTarte Avenue in Lakeside. It was also the home where they welcomed another son into their lives. In 1974, Sharon delivered her second son, Rob, but complications forced a lengthy hospital stay. She nearly died giving birth to Rob who arrived prematurely. Due to a serious infection and collapsed lung, Sharon remained in ICU for two months and spent another month recuperating before being released. Once home to enjoy her two beautiful boys, Sharon decided to become a stay-at-home mom. In time they moved to the Reeths-Puffer school district where she made a wonderful home for Gary and the boys. Loving and caring, she put her love into everything she did and absolutely loved being a part of her son's lives. They could not have asked for a better mother. A natural worrywart, she kept a close eye on them, too. Although she could be stubborn to the core, it was always in the best interest of something, or for the things she believed in. Pretty much all their family activities centered around the boy's sports, and Sharon was always there to support and encourage them. When her son Rob's Reeths-Puffer High School football team won the Class A state championship in 1992, Sharon was extremely elated and proud. Together they enjoyed a trip to Sea World in Ohio and to the Dells in Wisconsin. Whenever they were together, fun times were sure to be enjoyed. They also added the love of a canine companion to their household when Sharon's husband surprised her with a Siberian Husky puppy for Christmas one year. It was her baby, and for 13 years Sharon loved having her by her side until she had to be put down. When Sharon's youngest son, Rob died unexpectedly in 2002, it was no less a time of sorrow for her family. Her husband was the rock for which she could depend during these days of struggle. He was also there for her when she struggled with ill health following Rob's death, lovingly tending to her every need. The bright spot in their lives became the precious two grandsons they dearly loved. When grandson Seth was born, Sharon was in her glory! An earlier ultrasound clearly indicated a girl, but his birth took on new meaning for Gary and Sharon. There wasn't anything they wouldn't do for Seth and Brendan. It was the love from her son, Gary, Jr. and her grandsons that helped Sharon cope with the death of her beloved Gary in 2006. No matter how she felt, the little lover in Brendan brought her unmatched joy. He loved being with his grandma and became her "therapy" in every sense of the word. Although Sharon's health continued to decline, she loved being surrounded by her family which meant everything to her. Greatly missed, Sharon will be long remembered in the hearts of many. At the age of 63, Sharon L. Wilks passed away Sunday, December 18, 2011. SURVIVORS: Son, Gary (Michelle) Wilks, Jr. of Muskegon; grandsons, Seth and Brendan Wilks; mother, Geneva Hittle of Muskegon. Along with her husband and son, Rob, Sharon was also preceded in death by her father, Lester Hittle; sister, Linda Hittle; brother, Jerry Hittle. SERVICE: Thursday, December 22, 2011, 11:00 AM with visitation one hour prior to the service at the Clock Chapel-Muskegon with Rev. Edd Wilder officiating. Please visit www.clockfuneralhome.com to leave a favorite memory or photo of Sharon and to sign her online guest book. Clock Life Story-Muskegon.