Sharon Harris

Sharon Lynn Harris, 68, died on May 17, 2025 at St. Anthony Hospital in Lakewood, Colorado.

Sharon was born on October 10, 1956 to the late Daryl and Dauphine (Williams) Harris in Chicago, Illinois. At around 4 years old, Sharon was diagnosed with cerebral palsy due to a birthing injury. As a result, she lived with her parents most of her life, moving with them to Colorado and living in the Lakewood house in which they settled. As her parents were very family-oriented, they made sure that Sharon’s needs were not only met, but greatly exceeded. Sharon was included in all activities; including entertainment, vacations, church, camping, and the famous Harris house backyard barbecues and picnics where loads of family, friends and neighbors would gather. Her mother was Sharon’s lifelong advocate and caretaker, refusing calls to step aside and allow Sharon to be placed in a host home during the last couple years of their lives.

Despite the challenges she faced, Sharon was always smiling and eager to tell stories. One of her favorites to tell was being asked by a guy who was also in a wheelchair at Walmart (where else?) if she wanted to race. She loved arts and crafts which she did with her family and respite care providers over the years, the most obvious was painting pre-built birdhouses that now line several shelves and the front porch of the Lakewood house.

In June 2024, Sharon was taken to the hospital with a septic wound, and developed pneumonia while in long term acute care. This resulted in a two month hospital stay which required the placement of a tracheostomy to aid with proper respiration. Other complications ensued, which had Sharon bouncing back and forth between hospitals and nursing facilities. Her pleasant and happy attitude and never being one to complain made her a favorite of her caretakers in the several facilities in which she was treated.

Her parents, Daryl and Dauphine (Williams) Harris preceded her in death. She is survived by her brothers Mike and Darin, and her many cousins, nieces and nephews.