Elvira Shynna Sedgwick was born in Yorktown, Virginia on May 3, 1956, and went home to be with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on October 25, 2025. She was the daughter of Julia M. Barnes and her late Stepfather, James E. Barnes.

Elvira, affectionately known as Sharon, accepted Christ at a young age, and was a member of Zion Prospect Baptist Church. She was educated in York County Public Schools and was proud to be a member of the first graduating class of Tabb High School in 1974. After graduation, she attended Norfolk State University and Christopher Newport University before moving to Brooklyn, New York where she made her home and attended Allen Memorial AME Church.

Sharon worked as an Executive Secretary with the NYC Human Resources Administration, and the New York State Department of Classification and Compensation until her retirement in 1997.

Sharon was a true style icon. Her sense of fashion set trends that were widely admired and emulated. From fashion to makeup and hair, Sharon wore everything well. She was a confident woman with a big personality. Growing up, she's remembered with a take-charge attitude as she hustled her younger siblings to finish chores before their mother returned. Her laughter and smile would light up the room. Sharon will be deeply missed by her family and friends.

Sharon leaves behind her beloved cat, Stack, who brought her endless comfort and companionship.

She was preceded in death by her late stepfather, James E. Barnes.

She leaves to cherish her memory: her loving mother, Julia M. Barnes; her sisters and brothers, Cathy Toliver (John), Keith Shields (Karon), Rhonda Scales (Elwood), Lynn Moore, and Craig Shields (Vivian); one uncle, Robert Sedgwick (Gloria); a special niece, Falyn Brinkley; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will deeply miss her.

A funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, November 11, 2025 at Zion Prospect Baptist Church, 408 Darby Road, Yorktown,Va.