Sharlene Faye Williams died after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s disease on May 2, 2025, at the age of 75. It is said that when you lose those you love and cherish the most, a part of your heart dies alongside them. Sharlene was one of these individuals, and our hearts are forever changed. Sharlene was born on April 6, 1950, in Sparks, OK,toLawrenceRobinson and Elva Fay (Whisnant) Hoover.Sheprimarilygrew up in Chandler, OK, where sheovercameadversityand blossomed into her own. She was part of the Round Up Club, was the secretary of her senior class, was the basketball queen as a freshman, and was a football queen as a senior. She also excelled in basketball and cheerleading. It was during these years that she envisioned her future and set out on a path to achieve all she could. In doing so, she became the first in her family to attend college and obtained a degree from the University of Oklahoma. She received her Bachelor’s in Science and Business Education in 1972, and was an active memberinAngelFlightand Pi Beta Phi sorority.
After graduating, she stayed in Norman, marrying her longtime sweetheart, Melvin “Buddy” Williams, and began her career as a high school special education teacher at J.D. McCarty Center. She had a special rapport with her students, parents and fellow teachers. Sharlene valued independence and was determined to instill this quality in even her most handicapped students. For example, she would give her students jobs/tasks to complete for “money,” which provided them a sense of pride in their lives. Sharlene devoted 45 years to teaching special needs children. In doing so, she became an integral part of their lives and their families, many of whom still keep in touch to this day.
Her love for children only grew when she and Buddy started their own family. Her greatest joy was being a mom to her three children. She was their biggest cheerleader and critic when necessary. She made certain her kids were provided the opportunity to try every sport possible, play musical instruments, and appreciate the arts. She was determined to have well-rounded children, sacrificing her free time to run kids to many various activities. Her children were indebted to her for her sacrifices, guidance, and unconditional love, which undoubtedly made us the women and men we are today.
Sharlene was always busy doing something. She loved to shop for “treasures” ranging from antiques, garage sales or estate sales, malls, etc. She found true joy in searching for these treasures either with her daughter or friends. It was during these times that the best conversations and memories occurred. She was also known to enjoy visiting casinos, where she would play the slots, wagering small amounts of money, patiently waiting for the jackpot that was sure to come. She loved all music but particularly George Strait, Alan Jackson, the Temptations and Elvis Presley. Later, as grandchildren arrived, she continued the samededication shehad for her own children and loved and supported them as long as she could. You could not have a stronger or more dedicated advocate in your life than Sharlene. She fought for those she loved until the end.
Sharlene was preceded in death by her momma, Elva Fay Hoover; father, Lawrence Robinson; her beloved sister, Marlene Robinson; and the heartbreaking loss of her son, Matthew Williams. She is survived by her husband of 52 years, Melvin “Buddy” Williams; daughter, Courtney and husband Spencer Housley and their two children, Quinn and Claire; son, David Williams and wife Courtney and children Baylee Faye and Rowan; siblings, Sharon Robinson of San Luis Obispo, CA, Darlene Robinson of OKC, Carlene Dotson of Checotah, OK and Lonnie Robinson of Chandler, OK. A special thank you to her longtime friends Dorene Beaver, Brenda Crawley, Sara Green and Laura Frazier. You were truly there until the end.
A remembrance ceremony will be held at a later date for immediate family and close friends.