Sharon Kay Spence, 73, of Austin, passed from this life December 13, 2025.  She was born September 5, 1952 in Hastings, Nebraska to the late Henry Austin and Naoma Grace Hill Banks. Sharon was a devoted Christian, a loving daughter, sister, wife of 52 years, a caring mother, aunt and a proud Nana of Kendall, Landon and Lea, and a friend to many. Her faith guided her life and was evident in the way she served others with compassion, strength, and grace.

Sharon was a longtime member of Old Austin Baptist Church, where she faithfully taught Training Union to the youth during the 1980s and 1990s. She poured into young lives, helping shape their faith and encouraging them during some of the most important years of their growth.

She had many talents and passions. Sharon loved photography and captured countless special moments—weddings, birthdays, and celebrations that families will cherish forever. She also had a gift for cutting hair and giving fabulous perms, making people feel good not only about how they looked, but about themselves.

Sharon had a beautiful way with words. She loved writing long letters and thoughtful notes, especially during times of loss or when someone simply needed kindness and encouragement. Her words brought comfort, understanding, and hope.

One of Sharon's greatest callings was her work as President of POMC, Parents of Murdered Children, a nonprofit organization where she fiercely advocated for families navigating unimaginable grief. She fought tirelessly to ensure families received resources, emotional support, and fair treatment within the criminal justice system. Sharon was never afraid to stand before governors or politicians to speak for victims' rights and to make sure other families were treated with dignity and respect. Even as her health declined, she often spoke of how much she missed being able to help others—a true reflection of her servant's heart.

Above all else, Sharon was a loving wife, mother, and Nana. Her grandchildren—Kendall, Landon, and Lea—were her pride and joy. She spoke often of how proud she was of them. Her family was her greatest success and her deepest joy.

While we mourn Sharon's passing, we also celebrate a life well lived—a life marked by faith, service, courage, and love. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched, the families she helped, and the love she gave so freely.

She will be deeply missed, but never forgotten by her daughter, Angela Cooper; grandchildren, Kendall, Landon and Lea Cooper; brothers, Sherman Wayne Banks and Garry Wade Banks, as well as numerous extended family members and friends.

Visitation will be 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, December 17, 2025 at Moore's Cabot Funeral Home with the service beginning at 2:00 p.m. Interment will follow at Concord Cemetery.

"We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord."

2 Corinthians 5:8 NIV

Sharon Spence is Glory bound to seeing her husband and son. We will see you there!