Sharon Lee Woodrow

Sharon Lee Woodrow, 80, of Covington passed away on October 25, 2024 at Hawthorne Inn in Danville. She was born May 31, 1944 in Danville to the late Warren and Eleanor (Schaefer) McGinnis. Her mother remarried James Root, who filled a special role in Sharon’s life. Due to James being in the military, the family was constantly traveling and allowed Sharon the unique opportunity to attend schools all over the country. 7 different schools, to be exact, that were spread over Illinois, North Carolina, Arizona, and Virginia. In January 1961, she moved back to Danville and lived with her grandparents, Forrest and Josephine Schaefer, whom she deeply adored.

Following high school, Sharon attended Danville Beauty School. She held numerous different jobs throughout her lifetime that included Carol’s Pasta, Kroger, L-Meis Beauty Salon, Maple Corner, and babysitting but being a caretaker by nature, Sharon felt a special calling tugging at her. She went back to school and attended DACC to graduate in 2001 as a Registered Nurse. Her empathy and wonderful care were provided to the residents and patients at Vermilion Manor, Waters of Covington, and the Illiana VA Medical System throughout the remainder of her career.

Sharon first married James P. Dawson in November of 1963, and later married Michael E. Woodrow on January 1, 1987. He survives. The two shared 37 wonderful years together before her passing.

Sharon was a vibrant force in the lives of her family and friends, known for her unwavering loyalty and devotion. She was a proud grandmother and never missed a single event for her grandchildren—be it a sporting game, recital, or birthday. She had a unique way of making each grandchild feel like the most important person in the world. She doted on her children and grandchildren alike and was proud of all they accomplished. She was particularly proud when she became a “GiGi” and was able to pass along her love to the next generation. Her warmth extended beyond just her family as she was a loyal friend to many as well. She kept a big circle of friends and had a gift for bringing people together, especially over a game of Mexican Dominoes.

Sharon was known for always being on the go. Her and her husband enjoyed cruising and traveling especially to Florida to spend time with her youngest son and family. Sharon’s love for traveling grew as her and her husband joined the travel club with Fountain Trust Bank where their circle of travel friends grew. She had plenty of wonderful tales to share with others when she returned home.

Sharon took pride in her community and was a driving force behind the start of the annual Covington Town Rummage. She also started the Santa Shop, where children in the Covington Elementary School could buy affordable Christmas gifts for their family. Her days were filled with line dancing, square dancing, euchre, and of course, Mexican Train Dominoes with her friends. She carried her faith with her every day and was a devoted member first at the St. Joseph Catholic Church, and then later at the Christian Union Church. She is now at peace with her Lord.

In addition to her parents, Sharon was preceded in death by her infant daughter Wendy Dawson and stepfather James Root.

Sharon is survived by her children Debbie Dawson of Oakwood, IL; Dena (Dave) Clark of Covington, IN; Doug (Mindy) Dawson of Franklin, TN; Darci (Mick) Dreher of Covington, IN; and David (Gabriella) Woodrow of Mary Esther, FL. She also leaves behind grandchildren Michael Miller, Reece Niccum, Corey Clark, Clay (Keragan) Clark, Cheyanne (Jimmy) Rush, Trinity (Devin) Heinrichs, Alliah Dawson, Ella McConkey, Avery McConkey, Eli McConkey, Dane Dreher, Colton Dreher, Tanner (Mya) Dreher, Zach (Sadie Swift) Black, Gabriel Dreher, Delanie Woodrow, Donovan Woodrow, and Bella Cook; and great-grandchildren Bodhi Miller, Lorelai Rush, Eliana Rush, Mayleigh Dreher, Hayes Heinrichs, and she was looking forward to adding one more in February. She is also survived by her mother-in-law Joye Slade; siblings Mike (Alice) Root, Toby (Michelle) Root, Beth (Barry) Long, Donna Doverspike, and Melody (Jack) Visele; and many nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 29, 2024 from 5- 8 pm EST (IN time zone) at Sunset Funeral Home’s Covington Chapel, located at 420 3rd Street, in Covington, Indiana. A funeral service celebrating her life will take place the following morning on Wednesday, October 30, 2024 at 11 am EST (IN time zone), also at the funeral home. She will be laid to rest Wednesday following a graveside service at 3 pm EST (IN time zone) in Edgar Cemetery, located at 629 Young Street in Paris, Illinois. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in her honor to the Covington Community Center. Online condolences and fond memories can be shared with her family on Sharon’s Tribute Wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com