During the early evening of Sunday, July 7, 2013, God accepted into His arms the soul of Frances Colander after a brief illness. She was born in Nansemond County, the daughter of the late George W. and Margaret Wilson Lyons. She was preceded in death by her husband, Melvin Colander; son, Horace F. Sharp Jr.; sisters, Virginia Fulgham and Thelma Hargrave; and brother, Larry E. Lyons.

She was a member of the Diamond Grove Baptist Church. She retired from nursing after 19 years of employment with Obici Hospital and many years of private duty nursing.

Left to cherish her legacy of learning and love are four daughters, Mary E. Sharp, of San Antonio, Texas, Vivian “Rip” Sharp, of Norfolk, Beverly Beasley, of Suffolk, and Laurie Anne Sharp AaIfs (David), of Woodstock, Ga.; a son, Kenneth Tyrell Sharp, of Suffolk, two blessed children, Gladys Wilson and Raymond E. Keys, both of Suffolk; six grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; two sisters and five brothers.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, July 11, 2013, at 11 a.m. at Diamond Grove Baptist Church, 6890 Crittenden Road, Suffolk, officiated by Dr. Calvin A Lillard. The family will receive friends and family at the funeral home on Wednesday, July 12, 2013, from 6 to 8 p.m. At all other times, the family will meet at 914 White Marsh Road, Apt. B in Suffolk. Viewing at the church will be one hour prior to the start of the funeral. In lieu of flowers, the family request that contributions be made to the American Cancer Society in the name of Frances Sharp Colander. Crocker Funeral Home has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements. Condolences may be extended to the family at www.crockerfuneralhome.com.