Everyone needs a helping hand at some time or another. When Sharon’s friends and neighbors had a need, you can bet that she was always there. Her keen administration skills ensured that she always perceived the needs of friends around her. She was savvy, organized, and skilled at everything from cooking to photography to quilting. She loved to cook with her grandchildren, teach Bible studies, and give back to her community through Nate’s Nook. Her creative energy and generous spirit inspired her to bake dozens of Christmas cookies each year for her neighbors and friends…just because. Just because this was who Sharon Joan Slaughter was as a wife, mom, grandmother, and a human being.
She was born on June 18, 1946, in Shannon, Ireland to Mary (O’Keefe) and Gregory Argyle Shortell. While in seventh grade, Sharon met the love of her life Jay Bruce Slaughter. Their story began as best friends in high school. They began dating afterward, and they were married for an epic 51 years on February 15, 2020.
Sharon served for 10 years as the Executive Director of Windsor Place, a Traumatic Brain Injury Residence in Salem, Oregon. She was a member of Preston Trail Community Church in Frisco, Texas where she loved teaching and also volunteered greeting others. In August, Sharon fulfilled a lifelong dream to visit Israel with friends where she marveled as she walked in the same locations as Jesus did with His disciples. She also insisted that her guide teach her to use a slingshot in the Valley of Elah where David fought Goliath. She successfully shot the slingshot further than anyone present that day to the delight of her friends!
Sharon is survived by her husband of 51 years, Jay Slaughter of Frisco, Texas; her daughter, Kacey Korting; her son, Michael Slaughter and his wife, Bonnie; five grandchildren, Abigail and Zackary Korting, Ian, Jack and Molly Slaughter.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Mary and Gregory Shortell, and her brother, Gregory Shortell.
A Memorial Service will be held at Preston Trail Community Church on Thursday, June 25, 2020, at 4:00 p.m. The family gratefully asks that any memorials be designated to the Gary Sinise Foundation.