Sandra Duncan Sharpton

Sandy Sharpton, of Fletcher, North Carolina, passed away at her home on Monday, April 14, 2014 at the age of 66. She died in the company of her family. A lifelong resident of North Carolina, Sandy was born on November 20, 1947 in Hickory, N.C. to James David Duncan and Sarah Francis Fagan Duncan. She was the first-born of nine children. Sandy is predeceased by her mother. Sandy is survived by her devoted husband, Ray Rhodes Sharpton, of 41 years. They were married in Marion, N.C. on July 30, 1973. She is lovingly remembered by her daughter, Elise Ray Morford of Westernville, N.Y., her husband Adam Morford, and their children, Claire and Benjamin. Sandy is also survived by two sisters, Deborah Guthrie and Daphna Robinson, and six brothers, David, Doug, Darryl, Kevin, Christopher, and Michael Duncan. Sandy Sharpton was a highly valued employee of Standard Paper Sales in Asheville, N.C. for over 35 years. She will be missed by the many friends she had there. Outside of work Sandy enjoyed cooking, reading, and bird-watching, traveling the country with her husband Ray to find new and interesting birds to add to her life list. The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to the many friends and extended family members who have given their support through their prayers and through their thoughtful acts of kindness. Gratitude is also given to Care Partners and to the Hope Cancer Center for Women. A memorial service will be held Thursday, April 17, 2014 at 10:00 AM at Groce Funeral Home in Arden, N.C. with Reverend Larry Rabon officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following the memorial service. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Carolina Bird Club (carolinabirdclub.org) of which Sandy was a member for many years.