Sharon White Bartholomew, 79, of Pentress, passed away Tuesday, October 2, 2024. Born 8 March 1945, she was the loving daughter of Philip O. and Fern Thomas White. She shared a close bond with her brother, Glenn L. White, and the treasured memories of “the Farm on White Creek,” the family, and all the creatures that lived among them. Growing up, the large Thomas family shared dinners and picnics and reunions and were a strong base of mutual love and support.
Sharon shared 60 years of marriage with Richard A. Bartholomew and together they raised their daughter Dixee Bartholomew-Feis and many, many wayward animals that came in search of love and shelter. They enjoyed many young people who initially came as kids to help with various projects or chores, and inevitably became a part of her network of “kids” who became friends.
The WV American College of Surgeons was her longtime cherished employer as well as the WVU Department of Surgery. She counted in the dozens the number of students she saw through their residency in the department of surgery and on to lifetime careers of distinction – often as members of the American College of Surgeons. Many of them became lifelong friends along the way. She was also employed by Dr. Joseph J Renn, EOEC and the network of friends she developed there went far beyond work. They saw each other through both good and bad. Sharon was known for her kindness, her many skills, and her keen intelligence.
Sharon was the beloved mother-in-law of Willam Feis and the “Grande Nana” to Phoebe E. Feis and Lydia A. Feis. She was always ready with a solution to a problem, a kind word or praise, and she thought of others constantly. She loved being outside and active. She followed kind words with kind deeds and spent a lifetime helping others. Too many to name received fresh produce, a meal, a present timed-just-right, a note in the mail, or other acts of kindness. Members of the animal kingdom, the disadvantaged, and children were her best friends, and making their lives better was the focus of her life.
Sharon is survived by her husband, Dick; her daughter, Dixee; her son-in-law Bill; her granddaughters Phoebe and Lydia; her brother and sister-in-law Glenn and Jean White; her nephew Justin who was especially close with her, and his wife Diana, and niece Laura; her brother-in-law Ronnie Toothman and his daughter Rhonda. She will be much missed by her kitties and especially Rex, the shepherd who watched over her and made her smile.
In keeping with her wishes, there will be no funeral service. She will be laid to rest at Mt. Tabor Cemetery alongside generations of the White family.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in her name to a charity that helps to care for animals, the disadvantaged, or children – just like she did.
Owen-Neely Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.