Sharon Kay Carlson (née Preston) October 22, 1938 – April 3, 2026

Sharon Kay Carlson, a woman of immense strength, talent, and faith, passed away peacefully on Good Friday, April 3, 2026. She was 87 years old.

Born in Lansing, Michigan, to George and Beatrice Preston, Sharon grew up with a sharp mind and a creative soul. She was a pioneer in the early days of business computing, working as a data processor when the technology was just beginning to transform the world. For 32 years, she was a devoted wife and partner, managing the books for the family business in Michigan. After moving to Phoenix, Arizona—where she spent the majority of her adult life—she transitioned into a successful career as a legal assistant for a local law firm. She spent her final decade in Edmond, Oklahoma.

Sharon was defined by her generous spirit and her desire to share her passions. A gifted artist, she was certified in numerous ceramic painting techniques and spent countless hours teaching both ceramics and crochet to anyone eager to learn. Her hands were rarely still, and her legacy lives on in the beautiful pieces she created and the skills she passed down to others.

Above all, Sharon was a woman of God. Her devotion to Jesus Christ was the cornerstone of her life; she gave selflessly to her church and spent much of her time ministering to those in need. She found beauty in the world around her—from the vast landscapes of the Arizona desert she loved so much to the quiet companionship of the animals she spent her life protecting.

Sharon was known for her strong-willed nature, her quick wit, and the joy she found in a good laugh with her family. She was a "friend to many" and a pillar of strength for those who knew her.

She is survived by her three children, eight grandchildren, nineteen great-grandchildren, and now spending time with her great-grandson who was waiting for her in heaven.

A life so beautifully lived deserves to be beautifully remembered. Sharon Kay Carlson will be deeply missed, but her spirit remains in the hearts of the family and friends she loved so dearly.