Emma Blanche Sharpe,

Emma "Blanche" Sharpe, age 99, of Hiddenite, passed away at her residence on Tuesday, February 23, 2016. She was born to the late Baxter Leroy and Mary Elizabeth Lackey Bruce on February 11, 1917 in Alexander County. Blanche was a member of South River United Methodist Church in Hiddenite. She loved growing beautiful flowers and caring for children & animals. Blanche was a tobacco farmer and house wife. She retired from Uniglass Industries in 1978 and Alexander County Government in 2002 at the age of 85.

In addition to her parents Blanche was preceded in death by her husband of 16 years, George W. Sharpe, infant brother Elbert Bruce, brother Thomas Bruce, and son in law Gary Poole.

She leaves to cherish her memory her son and caregiver, Robert L. Sharpe, daughter Barbara Poole both of Hiddenite, four granddaughters: Terisa Morrison & husband Jack of Hiddenite, Renee Keever of Pensacola, FL., Jamie Head & husband Tim of Statesville, Heather Pierce & husband Tyler ofNewton; six great grandchildren: Josh Morrison, Tiffany Marlow both of Charleston, SC., Bryce & Kendall Keever both of Pensacola, FL., Garison & Dalton Head of Statesville, Baby Pierce on the way; two great-great grandchildren: Owen & Finn Marlow both of Charleston; special friends: Winnie Sloan & Paulette Smith; special thanks to all caregivers from Hospice since 2009, and a host of nieces and nephews.

The funeral service will be held on Saturday, February 27, 2016 at Pisgah United Methodist Church in Hiddenite at 2:00 pm. Pastor Tom Corbell will be officiating the service. Burial will take place in the church cemetery. Pallbearers include: Tim Head, Tyler Pierce, Jack Morrison, Josh Morrison, and Seth Chapman; honorary pallbearers include: Owen Marlow, Garison Head, and Dalton Head. The family will receive friends at other times at the home of Blanche's daughter Barbara Poole. The family requests that in lieu of flowers memorials be made to Hospice of Iredell County, 2347 Simonton Rd, Statesville, NC 28677