Sharon Kay Millard

Sharon Millard, 69 of Topeka,  passed away on Tuesday, November 17, 2020 at Stormont Vail Hospital in Topeka. Sharon was born October 25, 1951 in Topeka, KS the daughter of  Vernon and Mildred (Boehme) Essman. She graduated from Highland Park High School and worked for several businesses throughout her life including Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas, Washburn University, and most recently, the Department of Motor Vehicles. On September 17, 1974 she married John Millard. They raised three children together, two sons, Matthew and Jarrod, and one daughter, Kylie.

Sharon had many passions. She loved musicals, sports, and shopping. If there was a deal, Sharon was sure to find it. She collected Precious Moments figurines throughout her life and loved to travel to Branson with her husband and family. Christmas was her favorite day of the year and she would shower her family with the treasures she worked so hard to find all year to perfectly suit each of them. But her biggest passion and purpose in life was her family. She adored her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. In her spare time, you could find her at any one of their many events – bowling tournaments, school concerts, or games. She had an incredible smile, tremendous work ethic, and giving heart.

Sharon was preceded in death by her father, Vernon, and brother, Leland. Her spirit is carried on by her family. She leaves behind a loving husband, John Millard, and children, Matthew (Samantha) Millard, Jarrod Millard, and Kylie (Matt) Mergen. Additional survivors are her mother, Mildred Essman, and siblings, Karen (Lester) Cooley, and Byron (Yvette) Essman. Sharon had eight grandchildren – Courtney Bigger, Ashton (Megan) Bigger, Makenzie Millard, Gabrielle (Jesse) Scott, Preston Millard, Autumn Millard, Kamryn Mergen, and Maddyn Mergen. She had four great grandchildren – Kinslee Emerson, Rylie Bigger, Kanen Bigger, and Myles Bigger. Sharon had an extended family of in-laws, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews too numerous to list but not forgotten. She was a devoted friend and coworker and leaves many people who cared for her deeply.

Sharon also leaves a legacy – one of strength, kindness, and giving. One of Sharon’s greatest joys was giving to others. She took her love of shopping and deal finding and shared it with those she loved.  She put the needs of others before her own. She supported all the hopes and dreams of her family and would be the first in line to cheer them on. She was proud of their accomplishments and happily shared their successes. She was an amazing mother, grandmother, wife, sister, daughter, and friend. Sharon made the world a better place for all who were lucky enough to know her.

Graveside services will be Tuesday, November 24, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. at Memorial Park Cemetery.  The service will be live-streamed at the Davidson Funeral Home & Cremation Services Facebook page. Sharon will lie in state at Davidson Funeral Home on Monday, November 23, 2020 from 12:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.  A celebration of her life will be planned for a future date when restrictions have been lifted due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  davidsonfuneral.com