Diane Batchelor Sharpe

Diane Batchelor Sharpe's journey through her earthly life ended peacefully on September 11, 2017 after an eleven year battle with Parkinson's disease. Born on May 12, 1942 in Rocky Mount, North Carolina to the late Carl L. Batchelor and Mallie C. Batchelor Meeks. She was also predeceased by her stepfather, Jack Meeks; and her sisters, Rose and Helen. She recently celebrated her 75th birthday with a birthday celebration that was attended by a host of family members and friends. Diane graduated Valedictorian in May 1960, from Elm City High School, and was married to Milton Ashley Sharpe on January, 28 1962, in Elm City. She enjoyed an incredible 55 year journey with Milton that took them to California and back home to Rocky Mount. She began her career at the former Home Savings and Loan Association in Rocky Mount, served as a church secretary in California, and returned to Home Savings and Loan, upon her and Milton's return to Rocky Mount in 1970. With a caring and compassionate heart, she spent many years as a homemaker and caregiver to her mother and other relatives. She enjoyed her life with Milton and was happiest when they were together outdoors at their home, at their farm, or traveling together. Diane is survived by her faithful husband of 55 years, Milton of Rocky Mount; her son, Kevin and his wife, Christie, of Wake Forest; and two grandchildren, Jason of Raleigh; and Emily of Boone, who are the lights of her life. The family wishes to thank Dorcas Eason, Marilyn and Joyce Bright, as well as Dr. Doug Boyette and the Hospice and Palliative Care of UNC Nash Health Care team of Shelley Rhodes; Debbie Stilley; Chaplin, Keith Griffin; Fran Lee; Sabrina Daniels; and Kiki Grant; who assisted Milton with her loving care during her fight with Parkinson's. A special thanks to neighbors Bob and Linda Jones, Lauren and Jacque Ota, and Julian and Becky Parks for their prayers, support, and care throughout Diane's illness. A Celebration of Diane's Life will be held on Thursday, September 14, 2017 at 1:00 PM in the Chapel of Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home and Cremation Services with Reverend Keith Griffin of UNC Nash Hospice, and Reverend Rebekah Maul of Wake Forest Presbyterian Church officiating. Burial will follow on the Family Farm. The family will receive friends and relatives on Wednesday, September 13, 2017 from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM at Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services. Flowers are welcomed or memorial contributions may be made in Diane's name to Hospice and Palliative Care of UNC Nash Health Care, 2460 Curtis Ellis Drive, Rocky Mount, NC 27804; or The National Parkinson's Foundation, 200 SE 1St Street, Suite 800, Miami, FL 33131, or www.parkinson.org.