Emma J. Sharp

Emma Jean Sharp, 88, departed this life on October 6, 2025, at Grand Royale, Gladstone, Missouri. Emma was born on February 1, 1937, in Arkansas to Mattie Mae Curry and LB Curry.

The family relocated to Topeka, Kansas, where Emma grew up and attended school in the Topeka School District. Emma and her mother moved to Kansas City, Missouri, planted roots, and called it home.

Emma had a strong relationship with God and was a devout Christian. She was a member of Greater Mt. Zion Baptist Church.

Emma worked at Hallmark Cards Headquarters in Kansas City, Missouri, until she retired after more than 30 years of service. Emma worked the entirety of the service on the night shift, which she enjoyed. She once said her hobby was sleeping and did not want to work the day shift. Emma’s Hallmark career traversed through housekeeping, imaging, and ornament quality control

Emma married Howard Sharp on December 21, 1972. The union created a family of four: Ronald Swagger, Terence (Mattie) Swagger, Kim Rainey, and Gerry Allen, all from Kansas City, Missouri; and later from the union, another son was born, Marcus Terrell Sharp.

Emma was preceded in death by her mother, father, grandson, Terence ‘Tutty’ Shirley, and son, Ronald Swagger.

Emma leaves behind her four children; grandchildren: Tyrone Shirley, Trevis (Samantha) & Travis Rainey (Shimreah), Jasmine Deadmon (Brian), D’Marcus, Marquis (Katherine), Taia, Shekinah & Melanie Sharp; great-grandchildren: Hannah, Abigail Rainey, Brennan, Jael, Judge, Booker Deadmon, Jaclyn, and Matteo Sharp; and a host of treasured friends.

Emma passed on October 6, 2025, after her son, Ronald. There will be a joint service.