Zeola Watson Sharp, 84, of Athens, went home to be with God on Thursday, Oct. 2, 2008, at Woods Memorial Hospital.

A native and lifelong resident of McMinn County, she was a daughter of the late Jim and Harriet Harris Watson, and was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, John Anderson Sharp, on March 25, 2000; her stepmother, Ada Wall Watson; one sister, Merline Moore; and two brothers, Arlin Watson and Darrel Watson. She was a member of New Zion Baptist Church.

Survivors include two daughters and sons-in-law, Parthenia \"Parkie\" and Freddy L. Hester and Arthenia \"Arkie\" and Gary Wilcox, all of Athens; one son and daughter-in-law, Johnny Allen and Carol Sharp of Etowah; two brothers and one sister-in-law, Sammy Watson of Clinton, and Thomas and Glenda Watson of Athens; five grandchildren, Randy Hester, the Rev. Craig Wilcox, the Rev. Keith Wilcox, Brandon Wilcox and Sheri Davis; 10 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be 3 p.m. Sunday in the chapel of Laycock-Hobbs Funeral Home with Brother Jerry Stephens, the Rev. Craig Wilcox and the Rev. Keith Wilcox officiating. Burial will follow in New Zion Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Randy Hester, Brandon Wilcox, Travis Davis, Jim Martin, Joe Martin and Greg Watson.

The family will receive friends from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home.

Those unable to attend may send condolences to mailto:condolences@laycock-hobbs.com