Mrs. Sharon Elaine Young

In Loving Memory of Sharon Elaine Williams Young Sharon Elaine Williams Young peacefully went home to be with the Lord on September 29, 2025. She was born on April 15, 1944, in Attalla, Alabama, to the late Ceola and Lorene Sewell Williams. Her life was a testament to her creator, as she devoted herself to God, music ministry, family, and serving others. While Mrs. Young will be profoundly missed, her family finds solace in knowing she has fulfilled the message of the songs she cherished. A “Bright Crown” awaits her, and she now rejoices in the presence of the Savior, enjoying eternal life. A Life of Music and Service An anointed servant of Christ, Sharon’s ministry was recognized by her parents as a child, humming hymns throughout their home. She began piano lessons at an early age, taught by the wife of the local Baptist minister. By 11, Sharon was the musician for her Sunday School at Antioch Methodist Episcopal Church in Attalla, Alabama, where she played for church services and choirs, nurtured in God’s love and confirmed at Antioch ME Church. Coming from a musical family, she often played for her sister Forestyne, who sang at various venues in their hometown and beyond. Sharon's musical talents extended outside the church; she played flute in the school band, piano for assemblies at Norris High School, participated in the marching band, and eventually became a majorette. She graduated from Norris High School in 1962. Education and Nursing Career Torn between pursuing music and nursing, Sharon attended Kate Bitting Reynolds Memorial School of Nursing in Winston-Salem, N.C. At “Katie B,” she was part of the Student Government Association and deepened her love for God and music by playing for the school Glee Club. She credited the North Carolina girls with shaping her Gospel stylings, forming a gospel group of singing nurses with her lifelong friend, Eva Dejornette. After graduating as a Registered Nurse in 1965, Sharon found a home with Ms. Rebecca Anderson in Alexandria, VA, and secured a position at Alexandria Hospital. She became one of the first Black Charge Nurses at the “new” Alexandria Hospital on Seminary Road. Sharon’s continued her nursing career for over three decades. Sharon also worked at Hadley Memorial Hospital and Jefferson Hospital in Alexandria, VA. In 1980, she joined the American Red Cross, initially in the Whole Blood department and later in the Apheresis unit, where she made many lifelong friends. Sharon will be remembered as a skilled nurse whose compassion provided comfort, taught with excellence, and extended her care to friends and family. She was always ready to assist anyone with health concerns and promote wellness in her relationships. A Love Story In Alexandria, during a Superintendent of Sunday School Meeting at Ebenezer Baptist Church, filling in for a missing pianist, Rev. James Boyd and Rebecca Anderson introduced her to the love of her life, Deacon Odell Young. They were united in matrimony on October 20, 1966, enjoying nearly 52 years of marriage and raising two children, Dwayne and Kimberly. Their joy multiplied with the arrival of their only grandchild, Octavia. The Youngs shared a profound love for music, God, and the arts, often sharing in ministry. Odell was not only a devoted supporter of his wife but also cherished her music, listening to her play at home for hours. He frequently surprised her with sheet music or sought out songs that she adored. Together, they created a home of laughter and joy where everyone felt nourished and uplifted by Christian love and music. A Musical Legacy Music has always been a pivotal part of Sharon's life. She studied organ under Ms. Dickerson in Arlington, VA, and furthered her education at George Mason University. For a decade, she devoted herself to the music program at Zion Baptist Church, serving as a musician for the Choral Ensemble and youth groups. Additionally, Sharon held the roles of pianist and director at Mt. Jezreel Baptist Church, leading various choirs such as the Ever-Ready Chorus and the Young Adult Choir. In her later years, she returned to Mt. Jezreel, taking on multiple roles within the music ministry. In 1975, she was invited to reorganize the Interdenominational Church Ushers Association of Virginia Choir, which flourished to 75 voices and traveled along the East Coast to share their ministry through song. Under her leadership, the ICUA choir performed at state ICUA memorial services and was featured in numerous concerts and civic events, including the inaugural ceremonies of the Hon. James P. Moran in Alexandria, VA. From the ICUA choir, several smaller groups emerged, including the Sextet (composed of Joe Johnson, Hilda Johnson, Lola Davidson, Viola Bowman, Cora Foster, and Mary Lawrence) and The Sweet Spirit (featuring Diane Charity Marshall and Della Byrd Nesbitt), who performed throughout Northern Virginia. The Foster Sisters, consisting of Cora Foster Stroman and Mary Lawrence, began singing with Mrs. Young in the 1980s; this duo developed a distinctive style that later included her daughter, Kim, and occasionally her niece, DeVaunte. Together, the Foster Sisters and Family have been harmonizing for four decades, spanning from North Carolina to Pennsylvania. In 1988, the ICUA Choir became independent and reformed as the Ecumenical Choir of Northern Virginia. Sharon continued her involvement with this group until 1992. In 2002, they organized a reunion concert, which led to the establishment of the reunion choir of the ECNOVA (formerly ICUA) Choir. This ensemble was in high demand, ministering through song across the DMV area. While leading the ICUA Choir, Mrs. Young also directed the Junior Choir for over a decade and founded the Cherub Choir at Calloway United Methodist Church in Arlington, VA. Subsequently, she served as the Music Director for Laurel Grove Baptist Church in Franconia, VA, and Woodlawn United Methodist Church in Gum Springs, VA. Throughout the years, Sharon remained a sought-after musician for various functions and programs. Cherished Memories Throughout her life Sharon taught piano in her home, trained gospel singers, and collaborated with other musicians. She believed that every voice could give praise to God and encouragement to people. She cherished young people and fed into their lives in whatever way possible. Sharon is preceded in death by her loving husband, Deacon Odell Young, two sisters-in-law, Emma Watkins and Jean Carter, two brothers-in-law, Rev. Dr. Carl D. Ogden and Herman Casey, and her beloved play sister, Eva DeJornette Alexander. She is survived by her children, Dwayne Ceola Young and Kimberly Arlisa Young; her granddaughter, Octavia Lorene Young; and two sisters, Forestyne Ogden and Linda Casey. Sharon and Odell embraced all of their nieces and nephews as their own, and Sharon’s memory will be cherished by Sonja Whistenaunt, Bronda Reed, Devaunte, Carla, Carl Ogden, Jr., Delores Watkins, Dennis Watkins, Odell Watkins, Howard Watkins, Thomas Watkins, Alonzo Young, Pamela Young, Inga Hays, Angela Moore, Roy Carter, a host of great-nieces, nephews, cousins, The Foster Sisters, the ICUA/ECNOVA family, choirs, and friends. Family and friends are invited to gather for a brief worship service in honor of Sharon Elaine Williams Young on October 11, 2025, at Mt. Comfort Cemetery, followed by a repast at Washington Street UMC, Alexandria, VA 22314. As my mother loved flowers, we kindly ask you to bring flowers to honor the beauty of her life at the gravesite service. “Well done, good and faithful servant… enter into the joy of your Lord.” — Matthew 25:23

Mrs. Sharon Elaine Young

April 15, 1944 - September 29, 2025

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