REIDSVILLE, N.C. - Kowinna Kay Sharpe (Beeman), 58, passed away Saturday, Feb. 13, 2021, after an extended illness.

Kowinna was born Aug. 24, 1962, in Anderson, Indiana, to the late Melvin Dean and Rosalie (Garrison) Beeman. She was raised in Alexandria, Indiana, and attended Alexandria-Monroe High School, graduating with the Class of 1980. After earning an associate degree at Ivy Tech Community College in 1986, she relocated to North Carolina and dedicated her life to working with the severe and profound intellectually disabled.

Kowinna was an active member in the Bible Baptist Church of Reidsville, and enjoyed working with the youth ministry. She also enjoyed singing and reading her Bible. Being a breast cancer survivor, she was an active participant with the Barry L Joyce Local Cancer Support Center.

She is survived by her daughter, Stephanie (Beeman) Kell, son and daughter-in-law, Eric and Sarah (Rogers) Kennedy, and her two cherished grandchildren, Tolana Rose and Robby. She is also survived by her siblings, Debbie Huffman, Markleville, Indiana, Anita (Dan) Walker, Anderson, Indiana, Deanna (Bob) Bassett, Lowell, Indiana, Jeffrey Garrison, New Castle, Indiana, Elizabeth (Ted) Hiatt, Summitville, Indiana, Pam Wylie, Louisville, Kentucky, Rick Wylie, Fresno, California, Donna (Tracy) Price, Anderson, Indiana, and Moses and Paul (Rigau) Beeman, Plantation, Florida. Additionally, there are many nieces and nephews, as well as, extended family members.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Mike Sharpe; her parents, and her sister, Karen Thompson.

A chapel service will be held at the Wilkerson Funeral Home Chapel,1909 Richardson Drive, Reidsville, NC 27320, on Tuesday, Feb. 16, at 2 p.m. with Pastor Mickey Alcorn presiding.

Online service viewing is available for those unable to attend. Please follow the instructions posted at www.wilkersonfuneral.com.

Graveside service and internment will be at New Lebanon Christian Church Cemetery.

A special thank you to the Barry Joyce Resource Cancer Center for their support.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to the Barry L Joyce Cancer Center at bljcancerfund.org or Bible Baptist Church, P.O. Box 182, Wentworth, NC 27375.