Sharon Lee Hoke

There is a time, a season, a reason for living.  Sharon L. Hoke left this world with purpose and determination while recognizing that God had a different plan for her. 

Sharon L. Thomas was born on 2-14-47 to the late Stanley and Jean Thomas.  She is survived by her children:  Robert S. Hoke II, William R. Hoke, Matthew A. Hoke, Jennifer L. Hoke, and Rebecca S. Pascal (Michel S. Pascal.)  Her grandchildren:  Dustin Hoke, Christina Beam, Destiney Hoke, Brittany Hoke, Robert S. Hoke III, Kevin Knotts, Maddison McClain, Mason Hoke, Carter Hoke, Sarah Bryant, Dawson Petro, Wesley Petro, Justus Weber, and her 15 great-grandchildren. 

Sharon spent the 70s raising children: his, mine, and ours.  As they grew and became more independent, she felt compelled to devote a portion of her time and effort to her community.  She volunteered for local political campaigns and eventually even took on an activist role to address violent behavior in local schools.  She founded and led an organization called Parents Against Violence in Education (PAVE.)

On Friday the 13^th, in April of 1979, Sharon sustained a life-threatening, and life-altering injury that forever changed her life.  However, she didn’t let it defeat her.  After many weeks in the hospital and many challenging months at home, she emerged somewhat transformed, and she was motivated to enter the workforce. 

The 80s and 90s were periods of Sharon’s life where she branched out to share her talents in a number of jobs that were traditionally male-oriented.  Most notably, she was the first female Deputy Coroner in Marion County, Indiana.  She worked in Forensics and in the field of Bail Bonds and was even a Heavy Equipment Operator.  She was always motivated by challenges.

Sharon spoke fondly of her childhood spent in Bargersville with her cousins, aunts and uncles, and other extended family members.  And toward the end of her life, it’s where she returned because that’s where she felt most comfortable.  However, the in-between amounted to a record number of residences.   I think of Merle’s “Rambling Fever” when I picture the cardboard boxes and moving vans.  She just loved a change of scenery. 

Sharon was a woman of conviction.  She rarely backed down from controversy and occasionally drew the ire of some.  She held strong political views, which often landed her in FB “time out.”  However, that did not deter her.  She understood what it meant to be a citizen of the United States of America.  She knew she was born with the inalienable right to speak her mind. 

She was a confidant; one of her children lamented: “I’m going to miss her a lot; I could tell her anything.”  She was there for her friends and family in some of their most challenging times.    Throughout her illness, she interacted with caregivers with respect and dignity.  She was a favorite patient with many nurses.  We love her.  She will be missed, and we wish her a peaceful and joyous journey.  God bless.

Sharon requested a private service with immediate family.  The family welcomes your prayers and well wishes.  We invite you to sign the Legacy digital book.  Also, since there will be no service, please feel free to email us with questions or comments at [email protected].