Sharyn Elizabeth Turner Larson
-
January 25, 2025
Sharyn Elizabeth Turner Larson, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and cherished member of the Plano community, passed away peacefully on January 25, 2025, at the age of 79. She was born in Wilmington, North Carolina, on August 25, 1945, to Richard Wallace and Caroline Elizabeth (Davis) Turner, Sr.
Sharyn spent her childhood years in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Florida, before graduating from Lakeland High School in 1964. She went on to earn both a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Library Science from Florida State University (Go Noles!). After graduating, she loaded up her car, the Pink Panther, and took off to Dallas, never looking back.
On April 7, 1973, Sharyn married the love of her life, Gerald “Jerry” Larson. They were devoted to one another over 50 years, and together they raised a family and made their home in Plano. She selflessly invested her time, attention, and love into her children and was actively involved with their activities, friends, and interests.
A member of First United Methodist Church in Plano, Sharyn enjoyed sharing her faith, teaching Sunday School and Bible study classes for many years. Sharyn enjoyed a variety of hobbies, including making personalized greeting cards, stamping, and scrapbooking. She loved music, singing, dancing, entertaining and traveling. Above all, she loved spending time with her family.
Sharyn is survived by her husband, Gerald “Jerry” Larson of Plano, Texas; children, Erik Richard Larson and wife, Sarah of Galveston, Texas, and Julie McCartney and husband, Eric of McKinney, Texas; grandchildren, Cameron Larson, Kiera Larson, Ashlin Larson, Madailein Larson, Claire Friedel and husband, Josh, Robby McCartney, Emilie McCartney, and Josh McCartney; great grandchildren, Hazel Sendejas, Liam Friedel, and Noah Friedel; sister, Nancy Blaylock and husband, Jeff; sisters-in-love, Diane Turner and Janet Moran; and a host of other loving family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, brother, Rick Wallace Turner, Jr., and granddaughter, Faith McCartney.
The Holding Cross
The Holding Cross is a handcrafted wooden cross designed to be held in the palm of your hand—an enduring symbol of comfort, strength, and prayer.
Sharyn loved its simple presence and gave them freely as a personal ministry of encouragement.
In her lifetime, she gave dozens of holding crosses to friends, family, and even strangers -- whenever God gave her a "tap on the shoulder".
At her memorial service, Julie and Erik gave 79 (listen to Julie's eulogy for details).
In the days, weeks, and months since her passing, dozens more have been donated and given in her honor.
For Sharyn's 80th birthday on August 25, 2025, Jerry donated 80 crosses, and her sister, Nancy, gave 20 crosses.
The giving continues ... to participate, visit HoldingCross.com or write to:
HoldingCross.com
10349 East FM 323
Palestine, Texas 75801