SHARON JEAN RICHARDSON

Sharon Jean Richardson was born June 3, 1948 in Bakersfield, California to James Drennon Griffin and Ima Jean Raper Griffin. She passed away in Mercy Hospital in Springfield, Missouri Wednesday, March 4, 2026. She was seventy-seven years, nine months and one day of age.

Sharon lived in Bakersfield until the age of seven, when she moved with her family to the Beaver Creek area in Missouri. She worked a variety of jobs, including Holiday Inn, Pennington Seed, a steel mill and selling used cars. Perhaps the most interesting employment she had was being a snake charmer in the circus.

Sharon was proud of her Native American heritage. Her Native American name was Egret Mother Sunset – Indian Man.

She was preceded in death by her daughters, Donna Ann Willhite and Debra Ann Willhite.

Sharon is survived by her daughter, Shylow Star Richardson; three sons, Bronco Glen Willhite, Bronco Lane Willhite and Lance Adam Willhite; several grandchildren; great-grandchildren; and great-great-grandchildren.

Sharon cared deeply for her animals. She loved her family very much and was a big part of their lives. She would tell her family that she loved them with her whole heart.

She enjoyed singing and dancing and riding bikes. Sharon will be remembered to be a little bit country and a little bit rock and roll.

We celebrate her life and know she will be missed by those who knew and loved her.