Obituary of Sharon Fenyk

MARION, VIRGINIA: SHARON LYNN FENYK, died in the morning hours of July 6, 2008, after a life of 44 years. She was a beautiful, loving, and caring wife, mother, daughter, and sister. As a young child, she battled an illness that resulted in her spending a considerable amount of her early life in a hospital. She was a determined young girl who constantly sought ways to allow her to experience life to the fullest even while facing the obstacles presented with her health. Sharon fought for each breath, even while exercising to the point of exhaustion, hoping that she would gain strength to be like those with healthy bodies. She loved to work out at the Lifetime Wellness Center and she loved to see how many miles she could walk each day throughout the Town of Marion. Sharon was ashamed that she faced health challenges, not wanting anyone to notice, for she wanted to be known for who she was and not by the obstacles life placed in her path. All who met her saw her as a beautiful, loving and caring person, without knowledge of the struggles she faced. Prior to marrying and moving to Marion, she obtained a Bachelor of Science, majoring in Finance at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She then attended one year of law school at Memphis State University, presenting her then future husband the opportunity to meet her. Following their marriage and after giving birth to their beautiful daughter, Faith, Sharon obtained a Master of Science in Education from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in 2002. Sharon wanted to help others, and while furthering her education, Sharon was given the opportunity to write a successful Grant that provided funds for several different programs at the Smyth County Free Clinic. Helping others gave Sharon the inspiration to work on a Doctorate Program at Virginia Tech. She had completed her course work, was successful in her first defense of her dissertation, and was on track to complete her Doctorate in Education in December 2008. Along the way, Sharon obtained a Certificate in Gerontology and was proud to have been awarded the Center for Gerontology S.J. Ritchey Endowed Scholarship in April 2006. Sharon is deeply missed by her husband, Mark B. Fenyk, her daughter, Faith A. Fenyk, her Mother and Father, Deanna H. Lynn and John T. Lynn, her Sister, Debbie L. Wallace; Brother-in-law, James Wallace, her Brother, John T. Lynn and Sister-in-law, Kimberly Lynn, her Brother-in-law and Sister-in-law, Dr. John R. Fenyk, Jr. and Diane C. Fenyk, her Sister-in-law and Brother-in-law, Mickey Fenyk-King and Mitch N. King, Sister-in-law and Brother-in-law, Cindy Fenyk and Frank Courtney, Sister-in-law and Brother-in-law, Dr. Judy Fenyk Melody and David Melody, Mother-in-law, Maxine C. Fenyk. Sharon is also deeply missed by her Aunts and Uncles, Jackie Pennington and husband Larry, Nancy Hutson and husband Gary, and Wayne Hollis and wife Joyce, along with her Nieces and Nephews: Katrina Wallace, Kandice Wallace, Kourtney Wallace, John Tomas Lynn, Christian Lynn, Heather Fenyk, Julie Fenyk, Jack Courtney, Marin Courtney, Austin Melody, and Dillon Melody, and a great-niece, Savannah Wall. Sharon's family will welcome friends and neighbors at Seaver-Brown Funeral Home, Marion, Virginia on Tuesday, July 8, 2008, at 7:00 until 9:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held at First United Methodist Church, Marion, Virginia, on Wednesday, July 9, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Jonathan Jonas officiating. Burial will follow in Rose Lawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Smyth County Free Clinic, 1583 North Main Street, Marion, Virginia 24354 or to March of Dimes, 2840 Electric Road, SW, Roanoke, VA 24018. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the family at www.seaverbrown.com. Seaver-Brown Funeral Service and Crematory will be serving the Fenyk Family.