Sharon was carried by the angels into the arms of Jesus and into the company of her family and friends on June 24th 2026. 

She was born on July 12, 1944 in Wichita, Kansas to Jack and Mary Ballard. 

She is preceded in death by her father, Jack who was killed in World War II, her mother Mary Ballard, Frerking, her two brothers Ron and Jack Ballard, and her stepfather Bill Freking. 

Sharon is survived by her husband, Gary Smith, daughters Connie Bishop and Charlotte Epting, son Chris Smith, 5 grandchildren Courtney Groves, Mitch, Will, TJ and Christen Epting. And 2 great grandchildren Kayden and Emma Epting. 

Sharon grew up in Wichita, Kansas. She graduated from West High School in 1962. On July 29th of 1962 she married her childhood sweetheart, Gary Smith at the Wichita Baptist Tabernacle. She then moved to Springfield, Missouri to be with Gary as he finished his last two years at the Baptist College.

Upon Gary’s graduation Sharon spent the next 35 years in the full-time ministry working with Gary in whatever ministry God led them into. She worked with ladies, youth and children ministry but her main ministry was always music. Sharon was a gifted pianist with the touch of God upon her hands, actually upon her whole being. She excelled in accompanying groups from soloists to full choirs. She had the ability to play by ear or music. She could hear a song and write out the music for it. The word often used to describe her music is “the best”. It is a ministry that will be missed on earth but will be used and even expanded in heaven in the praise and worship to God and Jesus Christ. Her ministry there will be eternal and will never end with sickness as it was here on earth.

Another word that describes Sharon is faithful. She was faithful to her family and to the work of God. She began serving Him at a very early age and did it faithfully as long as her health allowed her to do so. 

Sharon’s Celebration of Life will be on July 11, 2026 at 4pm at the Temple Baptist Church of Flower Mound, TX.