Sharon L. (Prater) Kersey

With a heavy heart we announce that Sharon L. Kersey passed peacefully on January 1, 2025, at the age of 75.  Sharon was a lifelong resident and active member in Clinton and Fayette counties. She resided for 33 years on the Kersey farm with her late husband Gary L. Kersey.

Sharon is survived and dearly loved by her son Charles (Stacie) Older, stepdaughters Gena (Timothy Orr) Kersey, and Nina (Benjamin Brown) Kersey; brothers Ron (Jody) Prater, and Randall (Nola) Prater; along with many nieces and nephews whom she adored.

She is preceded in death by her husband Gary L. Kersey, her parents, Luster and Lois (Coleman) Prater; her sisters, Lucy Peck, Brenda Paige, and Karen Prater; and her beloved first husband Charles Older.

Sharon worked for Brown Publishing company for over 40 years and was engaged in her community as a Rotarian, an involved member of the Wilmington Historical Society, Murphy Theatre, and the Ohio Auctioneers Association. She was dedicated to her faith as a member of Dover Friends Meeting (Wilmington, OH) and the Free Will Baptist Church (Washington Court House, OH). As a realtor, she was an integral part of the success of the family Real Estate and Auction business. She and her late husband, Gary Kersey, partnered with countless historical, social and philanthropic initiatives within the community and across the United States.

From her birth until her death, Sharon’s generosity knew no bounds. She was a devoted wife,

mother, sister, and friend.  Her kindness, love and beautiful soul touched everyone who knew

her. She had a warm smile and gentle spirit that radiated love and compassion.

Sharon will be honored with a Celebration of Life from 2:00-4:00 PM, Sunday, January 12, 2025, at Smith Funeral Home, 327 N. South Street, Wilmington, Ohio.  Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM, Monday, January 13, 2025 at Smith Funeral Home. She will be laid to rest at New Maple Grove Cemetery in Port William, OH.

In lieu of flowers the family kindly asks that contributions be made to the Wilmington Historical Society, PO Box 529, Wilmington, Ohio 45177 or the Murphy Theatre, 50 West Main Street, Wilmington, Ohio 45177 to continue to preserve the historical legacy of the community.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Sharon L. (Prater) Kersey, please visit our floral store.