Sharlene Fitzpatrick

(From Parker Mortuary)

Erma 'Sharlene' Fitzpatrick, 83 of Joplin, went to her heavenly home on Monday, August 8, 2016 following an extended illness.

Sharlene was born March 22, 1933 to the late Claud and Edith Hancock of Richards, Missouri. She lost her father at the age of 14 and moved out on her own. Sharlene worked the soda fountain at the Carterville Drug Store while completing school and graduating from Carterville High School.

She began dating Max L. Fitzpatrick at the age of 18 and they married in January, 1954. He passed on March 11, 1996. Her daughter, Tina was born December 16, 1958 and that was the last time Sharlene was hospitalized until her current illness.

The primary guiding force of her life has always been her dedication to the Lord. She taught her first Sunday school lesson at the age of 17. Sharlene attended McKinley Avenue Baptist Church until 1996, she then transferred her church membership to Forest Park and became a founding member of the New Beginnings Widows Group, along with Fon Harter.

During her life, Sharlene worked outside the home. Her work included Simpson Sheet Metal, Wadler Manufacturing and Joplin Credit Union. She also owned and operated a ceramic shop in Joplin for several years.

Sharlene was a fighter right up to the end of her earthly life. Just a few weeks prior to passing, she was mowing her own lawn at the young age of 83. Her lifelong nickname was "Huggie" because when she was a toddler she would ask her dad to pass the sugar bowl, the word "sugar" came out "huggie" and it stuck with her the rest of her life.

Rest in peace, Huggie! We will miss you!!!

Funeral arrangements are planned for Friday, August 12 at 10:00 a.m. at Parker Mortuary, Joplin with burial to follow at Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery in Joplin.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary, Joplin, Missouri.