June 23, 1944, 81, Goldsboro —
Sharon Lee Memmelaar, a devoted nurse, woman of deep faith, and beloved mother, passed away peacefully after facing illness with remarkable strength and grace. Born on June 23, 1944, in Bangor, ME, to Philip and Mary Maynard, she was lovingly raised by her great-aunt and uncle, Olive and Grover Johnson of Brownfield, ME, who taught her the value of selfless care.
The family will receive friends on Thursday, October 30, 2025, from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. at Seymour Funeral Home in Goldsboro. A service to celebrate Sharon’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 31, 2025, in the sanctuary of The First Pentecostal Holiness Church with Pastor Bill Rose officiating. Interment will follow at 2:00 p.m. in the Eastern Carolina State Veterans Cemetery.
A Life Dedicated to Family
Sharon is survived by her husband, Jay R. Memmelaar, Sr., and her children, Amy (Angie) Memmelaar of Porter Corners, NY, and Nathan (Molly) Memmelaar of Smithfield, NC, and her cherished daughter-in-law, Irene Memmelaar of Dudley, NC. She was preceded in death by her son Jay R. Memmelaar, Jr. of Dudley, NC.
Her six grandchildren—Travis, Joshua, Christopher, Emilee, Peyton (Lyndell), and Maria (Gabriel), along with three great-granddaughters, Evelyn, Charlee, and Rowan, brought immeasurable happiness to her life. Sharon lovingly knitted baby clothes and blankets for each grandchild to welcome them into the world. Even her four-legged family member, Emma, held a special place in her heart.
In addition to her husband, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, Sharon is survived by her siblings, Philip Maynard of Hiram, ME, Roger (Ann) Maynard of Bowdoinham, ME, Mark (Sue) Maynard of Phoenix, AZ, Bruce (Pam) Jellison of Clifton, ME, and Rhonda Rowe of Westbrook, ME. Also surviving are her husband’s brothers, Steven of Bangor, ME, Mark of Westbrook, ME, Quentin (Denise) Memmelaar of Snow Hill, NC, and sisters, Andrea Spencer of Windsor, CT, and Marcia Shaw of Bangor, ME, along with numerous nieces and nephews who will carry her memory with them always.
A Calling to Care
After graduating from Fryeburg Academy in Fryeburg, ME, and Eastern Maine General Hospital School of Nursing in Bangor, ME, Sharon discovered that nursing wasn’t just her profession—it was her calling. She had a genuine gift for making people feel comfortable during their most vulnerable moments, bringing both skill and compassion to every patient encounter.
For ten years at Bangor Convalescent Center and throughout her career in various hospital settings, Sharon touched countless lives with her gentle presence and healing hands. Her work was more than a job; it was a ministry of care that reflected her deep faith and servant’s heart. When her own mother became ill, Sharon made the difficult decision to leave her nursing career to provide full-time care for both of her parents, later extending that same tender devotion to her father-in-law and her mother-in-law in their final years. This was who Sharon was—always putting others first, always showing up when needed.
Faith as Her Foundation
Sharon’s faith in God wasn’t just something she believed—it was how she lived. She gave her life to Jesus at camp in her late teens and served in several churches throughout her adult life. Since 2000, she has been an active and cherished member of The First Pentecostal Holiness Church in Goldsboro, NC, where her voice was lifted in the choir, praising her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She served with enthusiasm in Judgement House for two years, sharing her faith and encouraging others to trust in God daily.
Through every difficulty she faced, Sharon kept her faith at the center of her life. She lived out her belief in God’s continuing strength through her actions—caring for the sick, loving her family, and offering encouragement to everyone she met. Her faith gave her peace and purpose, and she shared that gift freely with all she encountered.
Simple Joys and Lasting Memories
Sharon treasured life’s simple pleasures—the wonder of watching wildlife during trips to Montana and Yellowstone Park with her husband, getting lost in a good book, and exploring new places through her travels. But nothing brought her greater joy than spending time with family, sharing stories with friends, offering encouragement to everyone, and simply being present with those she loved.
Sharon faced many challenges throughout her life, but she never stopped standing strong, never stopped trusting God, and never stopped sharing her love with everyone around her. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched as a nurse, the faith she modeled, and the love she poured into her family.
She was greatly loved. She will be deeply missed.
