Gloria Jean Sharpe first entered this world eagerly and brightly on July 24,1946 to Mary
Ellen Lawrence and Robert Sharpe, Sr. in Albion, Michigan, both now deceased, the
eldest of all six children. She left this world peacefully in her sleep on Wednesday,
September 20, 2023. Gloria is survived by her loving husband, Van M. Langford, of
over fifty years, Battle Creek, Michigan.
She is also survived by her daughter, Kimberly J. Sharpe, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania;
four grandchildren, Jazzmaine S. Johnson, Keon J. Sharpe, both of Newport News,
Virginia, Ra'Ana A. Sharpe, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Xavier M. Turner,
Connecticut, three greatgrandchildren, Jakera and Javion Warren, both of Newport
News, Virginia, and Ra'Kira A-J. Sharpe-Sligh, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She was
also predeceased by her daughter, Nicole R. Langford. Her surviving siblings are
William (Billy) Sharpe (Beulah) and Marion Hagerman, of Albion, Michigan. She was
predeceased by her siblings, Lloyd Sharpe, Robert (Bobby) Sharpe, Jr., and Lena Sharpe
and biological father, Russell J. Patton.
Lastly, Gloria is survived by a group of close, supportive special friends and their
children: Kris and Rich Ryskamp, Ashley and Josh Pemberton, and Shelly Weaver, all of
Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Gloria was educated in the Albion Public Schools System. She earned her Bachelors of
Science degree in Special Education Learning Disabilities K-12, and then subsequently a
Master's of Arts degree in Special Education from Western Michigan University,
Kalamazoo, Michigan, Class of 1978. She loved working with children with special needs
and disabilities. Prior to joining Head Start, she was a Special Education Teacher in the
Battle Creek Public Schools System. Later she became a Supervisor and Education
Coordinator for Head Start of Battle Creek. She eventually retired from working with the
children due to her illness.
Gloria will forever be known as a loving, simple woman who just enjoyed her homelife
with her husband, and family. She spent her leisure time doing things like reading, light
sewing, spending time with Van, and traveling to see family and friends.
Cremation Services provided by Ofield Funeral Home, 4500 Kalamazoo Ave SE, Grand
Rapids, Michigan 49508.
The private memorial Service will be on Wednesday, September 27, 2023.