Minister Emma Lee Sharp, 74, of Palatka, peacefully entered eternal rest on Friday, November 30, 2018 at Haven Hospice Roberts Care Center, Palatka.  A native of Wilson, NC., she was the daughter of Henry Allen and Annie Laura Taylor, born on Thursday, July 6, 1944. Her early education was in the Wilson County NC School District. After her family relocated to Hastings, she enrolled in the St. Johns County School District, graduating in the Walter E. Harris High School, Hastings, class of 1962. She relocated to Hillsborough County and while residing there, earned certifications in Business Administration & Computers. Over the course of her working career, she worked in housekeeping, Insurance, and dry cleaning. She experienced her most joyful moments during her employment at Whetstone Chocolate, St. Augustine and as a retired homemaker.

Since October 14, 2008, she has been a faithful member and associate minister at Mt. Tabor First Baptist Church where she served on the Minister's Council and in Evangelism. Minister Sharp was initially licensed and ordained into the gospel Ministry at Church of God by Faith, East Palatka under the leadership of Elder Ezekiel Johnson. Afterward she became one of four founding members of the Holy Temple of God Church in East Palatka, under the leadership of Bishop Walter Camps, Sr., and Pastor Mamie Bryant.   She later served at To God Be the Glory Holiness Church under the leadership of Dr. Ruth Lowe-Reaves. Minister Sharp was a longtime radio ministry co-host with Pastor Mamie Bryant and also led countless outreach efforts through Street ministry, homebound prayer meetings, prison ministry, and hospital/Nursing Home Ministry. In her leisure, she enjoyed reading, playing the guitar, listening to gospel music, sewing (she made all of her daughters' childhood clothes), and watching karate movies starring Bruce Lee and Jackie Chang. She was a very patient, giving and loyal servant of God, to the church, community and her family.

In addition to her father, she was preceded in eternal rest by her husband , Deacon Eddie L. Sharp, Sr.; brother , James Harris, Sr.

She leaves to cherish her memories: devoted children, Melody Evans, Palatka; Laura (Thomas) Brown, Jacksonville; Emma (Shad) Sharp-Schendorf, Palm Coast; Eddie (Virginia) Sharp, Jr., Macon, GA; mother, Annie Braddy, Palatka; stepfather, Joseph Braddy, Bronson; 12 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; sisters, Ella Mae Holmes, Apopka; Retha Davis, Palatka; brother, Walter Harris, Orange Mills; sister-in-law, Lula Harris, Apopka; and a host of other caring relatives and friends.

Visitation of family and friends 5-8 p.m., Friday, December 7 at "Flagg's Chapel of Serenity." The Homegoing Celebration will be 10:30 a.m., Saturday, December 8 at Mt. Tabor First Baptist Church, 4909 St. Johns Avenue, Palatka, Reverend Karl N. Flagg, Senior Pastor, is the eulogist. Interment will be in Oak Hill East Cemetery.