Effingham, Illinois - SHARON PATRICIA ANNE HARRIS (76), born to Ferd L. McWhorter and Eileen Mary Henderson-McWhorter, and beloved wife of Alan R. Harris, passed away peacefully on April 29, 2026, at Carle Foundation Hospital. She faced a short battle of aggressive brain cancer.

She was born, at her home, to the proud parents of Ferd L. McWhorter and Eileen Mary Henderson-McWhorter. Sharon was a woman known as a giver and a natural leader of her family. Her greatest joy came from caring for those she loved. Her family meant everything to her, and she gave each of them unwavering support, warmth, and unconditional love throughout her life. She brought comfort, laughter, and kindness wherever she went, touching the lives of all who knew her. Sharon found deep happiness in the world around her. She found peace in nature, watching things grow and unfold, and especially fishing alongside her husband, Alan. She had a true love of the outdoors and a gift for sharing it with others.

She will be sadly missed by many, including her husband of 57 years, Alan R Harris; that in turn gave them 3 wonderful children Michael (Brenda) Harris; Cory (Susan) Harris; Shannon (Marc Schumacher) Harris. Within the three children became seven grandchildren; Bailey (Cody) Notzke; Byron (Samie Smith) Mesnard, Blake (Destiny) Marxmann; Kirsten (Ryan) Baille, Braylee (Alex Durbin) Marxmann; Brent (Abbie Roberts) Harris; Adrianna (Brian Meyers) Harris. Great Grandchildren Brendan, Natalie, Lucas, Annabella, Wyatt, Calian, Nora, Theo, Raelynn, Lainey, Arya, and Morgan. Her siblings Kathy Smith; Patrick (Lila) McWhorter; Colleen (Michael) Mitchell; Eileen (Dale) Stuckemeyer; Irene Lilly; Timothy (Patricia) McWhorter. In laws including her mother-in-law, Gertude Harris; Robert (Becky) Harris; Linda (Tom) Ash, Joe (Renee) Harris.

Waiting for her in heaven are her parents Ferd and Mary McWhorter; her father-in-law Charles Harris; her siblings, Ferdie "Mickey" McWhorter, Danny McWhorter, and Maureen McWhorter; her brother-in-laws Ronnie Harris, Lonnie L. Smith and Greg Lilley. Nieces Rachel Stuckemeyer, Francessca Harris, and nephews Troy Boyer, Joshua Baker, and Jay Ash.

A Memorial Mass for Sharon will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 5, 2026 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Effingham with burial in St. Anthony Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Monday at Bauer Funeral Home in Effingham.