His Majesty The King’s grandmother, Lady Sharon, Duchess of Brookhaven, passed away on Thursday, October 6th at the age of 81, according to a statement released by the Royal Communications Office.
Sharon in 2020.
Sharon received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education at Brigham Young University, which she used to teach third grade as a young adult. She was an accomplished vocal soloist, talented teacher, and gifted pianist for over sixty years. Under the direction of John R. Halliday, she toured Europe as the premier vocal soloist for the Brigham Young University Madrigal Singers. In her community, she sang the soprano solo for Handel’s Messiah with a full chorus and orchestra multiple times, including for the Mission Santa Clara de Asis at Santa Clara University.
As a valiant member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Sharon’s life was one of service. She served as an ordinance worker in the Seattle Washington Temple for nearly 20 years.
Additionally, she served in the Relief Society Presidency and as the Primary President. For many years, Sharon blessed the lives of numerous people as the Primary Chorister and Ward Choir Director. She loved children and led many children’s choirs in church, school, and the community during her lifetime.
Sharon’s passion for Mozart and classical music brought many blessings into her life. She also found great joy in doing genealogy work for deceased loved ones beyond the veil. Her labors of love furnished many names for temple ordinance work. Heavenly Father blessed Sharon with many gifts, which she generously shared with everyone around her.
On June 6th, 1964, Sharon married her eternal sweetheart, Sir Jerry, Duke of Brookhaven, in the Los Angeles California Temple for time and all eternity. Together they raised six beautiful children and spent fifty-eight wonderful years together. Their love and faithfulness to each other are unique aspects of her distinct life and testimony of Heavenly Father’s plan of salvation.
Sharon is preceded in death by her mother (1914-2007) and father (1908-1988), her eldest brother (1936-2017), and her eldest son (1965-1999).
Sharon is survived by her husband, five of their six children, twenty-four grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren, as well as four of her five brothers.
A private funeral will be held on the morning of October 13th, 2022. She will be interred later that day at a nearby cemetery.
She was loved so very much and will be deeply missed. The Royal Family requests that the public allow the family to mourn privately.🎺
“God be with you till we meet again!”Jeremiah Eames Rankin