Sharon Kay Mann

Sharon Kay Mann, age 81 longtime resident of Coffeyville, Kansas departed this world on October 20, 2024, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, at St. Johns Medical Center after years of trials of declining health. Her life was woven with threads of resilience and love, and it is through the power of prayer and her steadfast relationship with her Lord and Savior that she was gifted an additional two cherished years, a blessing that deepened the connections she held dear. 

Sharon was born on January 30, 1943, in the quaint town of Edna, Kansas at family home, to Alvin “Six” Kerns and Pearl (Palmer) Kerns. Sharon's education began in Edna and for a brief while in Parsons, she completed her education at Edna High School. Sharon's parents later divorced, and her mother married Jim Wilson, and he accepted Sharon and her sister Nadine as his own. 

New Years Eve of 1958 Sharon married William "Buck" Hilderbrand, making the home in Edna in the house that Sharon was born and raised in. It was quite an adventure for Sharon with the birth of each child, each one had its own unique experience and thank goodness that her father-in-law Duke always helped with the transportation to the hospital, or she might not have ever made it. In addition to each birth holding its own excitement, the siblings all share common birthdates, the older two Elizabeth and Randall both in November just two years apart. Then celebrating their 5th wedding anniversary, the youngest two Terry and Carrie shared the exact same date and year, yes twins!!! Oh, the adventures didn't stop there for Sharon, her kids gave her all kinds of razzing, showered her with the best gifts of practical jokes, one Christmas much to her surprise she had received a box of calf eyeballs. She was always on guard never knowing when one of them would give her a love pinch. They look back now and know that she had the best sense of humor to put up with all the practical jokes they pulled on her. Sharon knew how to have fun but also expected her children to behave and be respectful. Sharon and Buck later divorced but their love for their children remained. 

March 20, 1985 Jimmy Mann took Sharon as his wife and the two made Coffeyville their home. They shared 15 years of a beautiful marriage before his passing on November 9, 2000. Sharon will be laid to rest next to Jimmy in the Elm Grove Cemetery also known as North Edna Cemetery. 

Sharon embraced her role as a mother and homemaker, a title she wore with pride and dedication. Her nurturing spirit and unwavering support were the hallmarks of her character. She was the heartbeat of her family, a caregiver whose love echoed in every corner of her home, she welcomed everyone in with open arms. In addition to raising her own children she welcomed in others that needed love and stability. Sharon’s unwavering commitment extended beyond her family; her tenure at a local steak house allowed her to mentor many, imparting not only a strong work ethic but also a deeper understanding of kindness and compassion. Over the course of her adult life, she also offered long-term care for family and friends that days on earth were numbered. She spent countless hours caring for their every need until they took their last breath. It was with her servants’ heart and hours of prayer that she truly fell in love with Jesus, leaving her children with the hope of one day they will be reunited with their mom in Heaven. 

A woman of remarkable depth, she possessed the rare ability to love deeply, unreservedly giving of herself to those fortunate enough to cross her path. With a voice both candid and sincere, she spoke her mind, sharing her feelings and thoughts with clarity that inspired those around her. Those who knew her might echo the sentiment that she was destined to wear the cap of a nurse, ready to care for others in their most desperate times of need. If you had the privilege of meeting Sharon you loved her, she just had a magnetic personality that you couldn't help but love. 

Every month the calendar was marked with her friends and family’s birthdays in preparation of the monthly “Birthday Dinner” where she welcomed all to celebrate their special day. She wouldn't hear of her family taking her out to eat for a gathering, it was important to her to prepare a special meal for her family, gathering around her table sharing, making memories, and cultivating lasting relationships. 

Her legacy continues brightly through her beloved children: Elizabeth Inman and her husband Tom; Randall Hilderbrand and his wife Laura; Terry Hilderbrand and his wife Melisa; Carrie Steinke and her husband Cory, and Jeff Miller; as well as her cherished stepchildren, Timmy Mann, Tracy Mann, and Devin Mann. In addition, she is survived by her beloved stepsiblings: Roger Wilson and his wife Carol, Shirley Rooney and her husband Bud, Sharon Thomas, and Rita Grossman. The love she lavished on her family blossomed into a beautiful lineage of 16 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren, with one more on the way, and a great-great-grandchild, a love that is a testament to her nurturing legacy. Her family was the most valuable treasure of her life. Sharon was preceded in death by her parents Alvin “Six” Kerns, Pearl (Palmer) Wilson and her stepfather, Jim Wilson and sister Nadine Kerns, stepdaughter Tonya Hoover, and granddaughter Haley Hilderbrand. 

Services honoring the life of Sharon will be held at Ford-Wulf-Bruns Chapel, 2405 Woodland Ave. in Coffeyville, Kansas, on October 26 2024, at 10 am with burial following at North Edna Cemetery in Edna. The family will receive friends on Friday, October 25, 2024 from 5-7 pm at Ford-Wulf-Bruns Chapel. The family request that contributions made in Sharon's memory be made payable to either Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice or Big Dream Today Ministries, LLC and they may be left in care of the chapel. To leave a message of condolence, share a memory or view the streaming of the service visit her obituary page at www.fordwulfbrunschapel.com