WILMINGTON — Sharon Ann Kelly Hilgeman, 79, went home to be with her Lord and Savior early in the morning of September 3, 2024. After a long battle with chronic pain and dementia, she was able to joyfully celebrate the first coming of Christ to our world upon her own arrival to eternity.
She was the third of five children born to the late John E. Kelly and Genevra Kelly of Kinston, NC, where she grew up and attended St. Mary’s Episcopal church.
Sharon was proceeded in death by her parents, two sisters Jacklyn Morris of Asheville, NC and Mary Beth Kelly of Chesterfield, VA , and her youngest daughter Holly Elizabeth Surratt of Wilmington, NC.
She is survived by her husband Capt. John Lawrence (Larry) Hilgeman (USN) of Hampstead, NC, a brother, Art Kelly of Chester, VA (wife Myrna), a sister, Jean Glisson of Virginia Beach, VA (husband Robert), a daughter, Lynn Ann Ryan of Richmond, VA (husband Tim), 4 grandchildren: Timothy Ryan, Jr., Grace Ryan, Jack Ryan and Parker Surratt and a son-in-law; Gregg Surratt.
Sharon attended Grainger High School in Kinston, NC and St. Andrews Presbyterian College (now St. Andrews University) in Laurinburg, NC, where she met the love of her life, Larry. Sharon and Larry remained in love for their 60 years of marriage and give glory to God for their union and life together.
Sharon was a loyal and dedicated Navy wife for 30 years; taking care of their two daughters, the house , yard, cars and many other tasks while Larry was on deployment. She spent most of her working years as a bookkeeper and office manager for several dental specialists in the Va. Beach area. She loved all the patients and they loved her.
She enjoyed cruising and traveling overseas.
Sharon was a long time, active member of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Norfolk, VA, and of Apostles Lutheran Church in Chesapeake, VA. She enjoyed fellowship and spiritual growth. with her many Christian friends; growing in her personal relationship with God because of them.
She was a very caring person and had a wonderful sense of humor. She was a true blessing to her family and friends. Sharon will be missed dearly by all who knew her.
A celebration of her life will be held on September 14 at 11 a.m. at Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church in Richmond VA. The family will be available to greet friends at 10:15 a.m. in the church’s Social Hall. Burial will follow at Forest Lawn Cemetery, also in Richmond, VA.
The family would like to give their heartfelt gratitude to those who so lovingly tended to her care over the past many months, especially the Lower Cape Fear Hospice staff and the Kennedy Companion Care staff for their gentleness and compassionate care. Both of Wilmington, NC.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, in Sharon’s name – 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601.
