Mary Kay (Sharpe) Hunter

Mary Kay Sharpe Hunter, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on November 5, 2024, in Augusta, Georgia. Born on July 24, 1955, in Scranton, Pennsylvania, Mary Kay lived a life defined by resilience, intelligence, and warmth.

Mary Kay is survived by her husband, Michael Hunter, Sr.; her daughter, Kelly Vizzari, and her husband, Vincent of Appling; son, Michael Hunter Jr., of Lincolnton; and his fiancée, Janae Puleo, of Fort Myers, Florida; her brother, Donald Sharpe, Jr. of Candensis, Pennsylvania; and her sister, Michele "Missy" Morgan, of Mt. Cobb, Pennsylvania. She leaves behind cherished grandchildren, Christina Vizzari and Brooke Stephenson, and a beloved great-grandchild, Ellie Stephenson. Mary Kay also counted among her family a friend she called her "other son," John "Johnny O" Ocenas, who is her son Michael's best friend since childhood. She was preceded in death by her parents, Donald and Marion Meisinger Sharpe; her stepmother, Alice Ann Sharpe, who raised her; and her siblings, Donna R. Sharpe, Marion J. Cleek, Margaret A. Hannon, Dawn Tucker and Alice Gumble.

Raised with faith at Hollisterville United Methodist Church, Mary Kay found her calling in service and community. Professionally, her work ethic and commitment to excellence earned her an impressive reputation. She was a member of the Eastern Star and proudly achieved a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification, a rare accomplishment in her field.

Mary Kay served her country through various roles in the federal government. Notably, she was a mobilization officer during Desert Storm under Colin Powell, handling highly classified information and vital responsibilities. A career took her to Tobyhanna Army Depot for many years of which she also worked at the VA Medical Center in Wilkes-Barre and Social Security Office. Her dedication was marked by her motto, "Get up, dress up, show up, and never give up!"—a belief that helped overcome 10 separate battles with cancer.

Following her government service, Mary Kay continued to pursue new passions, earning real estate licenses in Ft. Myers, Florida, and with DeFoor Realty in Georgia. Her professional journey was a source of pride, inspiring many.

In her personal life, Mary Kay enjoyed many things like romance novels, losing herself in stories of love and adventure. Shopping was another passion, one she pursued with enthusiasm and a keen eye for style. One of her favorite joys was going on random adventures, seeing and experiencing new things.

Known for her strong opinions, Mary Kay was always engaged with the world around her. She would have been pleased to know of Trump's recent victory, reflecting her belief in the importance of leadership.

Mary Kay (Sharpe) Hunter's life was a tapestry woven with love, service, and the pursuit of knowledge. Her memory will be treasured by those who knew her, and her impact will live on in the lives she touched. As we remember Mary Kay, we celebrate a life lived with purpose and passion. Her tenacity, wisdom, and love will forever remain in the hearts of those she leaves behind, her legacy a guiding light that will continue to inspire us all.

Mary Kay will be entombed in Fairview Memorial Park, Elmhurst, PA. on Monday, November 11, 2024 .

Beggs Funeral Home, Lincolnton is honored to serve the family of Mrs. Mary Kay Sharpe Hunter.