Sharon Kay Merkerson

Sharon Kay Merkerson, born July 15th, 1960, in Saginaw, Michigan, passed away on November 12th, 2025. She was born to her biological parents, Roscoe "Henry" Kelly of Detroit, Michigan, and Irene Merkerson-Landrum of Saginaw, Michigan, but was lovingly raised by Robert Landrum-whom she and the entire family simply and affectionately called "Dad." In 2000, Sharon relocated to Virginia Beach with her son, where she built a warm, meaningful, and memorable life over the past two decades while on her own.
Sharon possessed a vibrant, charismatic, and unforgettable personality. Fiercely protective and loyal, she embodied the heart of a true guardian —someone who loved deeply and stood firmly for the people and values she cherished. She often and humorously described herself as a "kick A_ _Mom and Grandmother," and those who knew her would smile knowingly, because that spirit was truly her.
Predictably, she loved action movies-especially the ones where people were getting their A_ _-es kicked. She enjoyed old-school R&B and Hip-Hop music, attending concerts and musical events where she could dance and sing along the whole time. She loved roller skating in her younger years and creating joy through her cooking-especially her famous sweet potato pie, a longtime family favorite.

In Michigan, her home was always a gathering place filled with laughter, music, good food, and love. Growing up with her little sisters Kim and Terrie (and later her younger brother Bobby), she was not only their second oldest sibling but also their fiercest protector-always ready to fight for them, especially after Robin, the oldest child, left the nest early. Having had her son only one month and five days after turning 16 years old, she and Tito grew up together in many ways, forming a bond that was inseparable, unique, and rooted in deep love and shared life experiences. This easily explains why she was so protective of him.
Sharon's core family-the foundation of her life-included her mother, Irene, her dad, Robert, and her sisters Robin and Terrie Merkerson, each of whom preceded her in death. She is survived by her sister Kimberly Merkerson and her brother Robert "Bobby" Landrum Il, who remain to cherish her memory.
Also central to Sharon's life were her nieces, Shawneesha Merkerson-Office and Seeairra Merkerson—both of whom she loved dearly, almost as if they were her
own daughters. In 1998, Sharon became the legal guardian of Shawneesha, who later became pregnant with her firstborn son, Dashawn, at the age of 16-mirroring Sharon's own journey into young motherhood. Sharon's firstborn nephew, Darious, was also deeply woven into her life during her years in Michigan and held a special place in her heart.

In Michigan, her home was always a gathering place filled with laughter, music, good food, and love. Growing up with her little sisters Kim and Terrie (and later her younger brother Bobby), she was not only their second oldest sibling but also their fiercest protector-always ready to fight for them, especially after Robin, the oldest child, left the nest early. Having had her son only one month and five days after turning 16 years old, she and Tito grew up together in many ways, forming a bond that was inseparable, unique, and rooted in deep love and shared life experiences. This easily explains why she was so protective of him.
Sharon's core family-the foundation of her life-included her mother, Irene, her dad, Robert, and her sisters Robin and Terrie Merkerson, each of whom preceded her in death. She is survived by her sister Kimberly Merkerson and her brother Robert "Bobby" Landrum Il, who remain to cherish her memory.
Also central to Sharon's life were her nieces, Shawneesha Merkerson-Office and Seeairra Merkerson—both of whom she loved dearly, almost as if they were her own daughters. In 1998, Sharon became the legal guardian of Shawneesha, who later became pregnant with her firstborn son, Dashawn, at the age of 16-mirroring Sharon's own journey into young motherhood. Sharon's firstborn nephew, Darious, was also deeply woven into her life during her years in Michigan and held a special place in her heart.