Sharon Lorraine Thomas-Yarbrough's Obituary
Sharon L. Thomas Yarbrough age 71 born in Toledo, Ohio on November 19, 1952, to the proud parents of James and Alice Thomas. Sharon was the eldest of three children. From humble beginnings to following her passion, event planner, she set her goals on becoming an Entrepreneur and Model. She was a daughter of a Seventh-day Adventist minister who preached throughout the United States. Sharon lived in various places growing up as a child. She had many interests, enjoyed meeting people from all walks of life. Sharon attended Withrow High School in Cincinnati, Ohio and furthered her education at Oakwood College, Huntsville, Alabama, where she was a committed Alumni President and later attended Kapolei Community College with a focus on Public Relations.
She worked for American Red Cross-Hawaii as a Financial Administrative Specialist/Chief Fundraiser.
Sharon was highly skilled Events Coordinator/Communications Specialist. She embodied enthusiasm and started her own business as the President and CEO of Sister 2 Sister of Hawaii later known as Sister Empowering Hawaii around 2014. She organized and coordinated humanitarian dinners including special solicitations and charitable sports tournaments. She also served as a loaned executive for Aloha United Way. She initiated and participated in all efforts to publicize events, she secured sponsorships, solicited donations from corporate executives from all major Hawaiian organizations.
As an employee of St. John Boutique, Hawaii, Sale Associate (Wardrobe Consultant) she understood how to sell and fit women for success!
Sharon trained and motivated all associates to improve selling and providing outstanding customer service. She performed quarterly inventory control for premier designers of fine women’s apparel valued at $100,000 plus coordinate in-store events for elite clientele.
Sharon demonstrated her talents and ability to perform any task at hand with true success and maintained a professional attitude with any employer on the job and off the job.
As an employee of Pleasant Promise Financial (Hawaii), a Marketing and Public Relations Manager, she developed services for all radio and TV production hosted by PPF. Part of her responsibilities were booking talent such as musicians and DJs, also organized and coordinated Lieutenant Governor James R. “Duke” Aiona Jr. surprise 51st birthday Extravaganza fundraiser, along with recruiting and training PPF volunteers.
Sharon provided clerical support for various corporations, prepared information for press releases, brochures and thank you letters and invitations for Olsten Staffing Services of Hawaii.
Sharon also utilized her time in a law firm maintaining office supplies and equipment, duties involved research, assisting clients in preparation of required forms, answering, and directing incoming calls.
Sharon was known as a powerhouse receiving many Proclamations, and Certificates of Appreciation from all sources of Government Entities and Politicians: such as Governor, State of Hawaii Neil Abercrombie, Brian Schatz Lt. Governor, State of Hawaii, Governor, State of Hawaii Linda Lingle and Lieutenant Governor, State of Hawaii James R. “Duke” Aiona Jr. acknowledgment from Congresswoman Collen Hanabusa member of congress (First Congressional District of Hawaii) also a Certificate of Appreciation from- Hawaii Alumnae Chapter Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. with many others acknowledging her and the work she did in the Hawaii community. She was definitely a Phenomenal woman! With many Accolades and proclamations behind her success. Sharon was known as a unique, beautiful, intelligent high achiever, teaming up with some of the most powerful people throughout the world including former President Barack and Michelle Obama’s. She displayed a genuine love for everyone and everything she encountered. Sharon was instrumental in inviting the following guest speakers to Honolulu: Martin Luther King, III, Rev. Al Sharpton, and Congresswoman Maxine Waters. She had a way of making you feel special, loved and believing you can achieve anything your heart desire. She Always went above and beyond the call of duty. She was an innovator, connecting to like-minded, productive people who can help you achieve your economic goals. Sharon Elevated women as Queens through her empowering Hawaii women’s organization.
Sharon was known for her Stilettos during her services: Book signings, Business Mixers, Power Luncheons, Charity Fundraisers, Conferences, Grand Opening Affairs, Political Events, Product Launching, Speaker Featured Seminars, Stylist, Tea Parties was the tallest of them all. FABULOUS!
Sharon united in matrimony on her birthday, November 19,1995 to Herman (Tommy) Yarbrough, III, with him she gained an extended family of four stepchildren. She was an amazing wife and a constant love companion to her husband.
Sharon leaves to cherish her memories:
Sister Nedra Thomas of Houston, Texas
Stepchildren: Kimberly Christensen of Los Angeles, Diamond St Thomas of California, True St Thomas of Honolulu, Hawaii, and Sterling Gauff of Honolulu, Hawaii
Two God children: Ocean and Theo Goulder of New Zealand.
Host of many cousins, close friends, and extended family.
Special friends, Dr. Patricia Blessman, June Dennis, Dr. Cynthia Powell-Hicks, Dr. Joanna Williams-Lazoya, Dr. Audrey King, Dr. Maya Soetoro-Ng, Dr. Beautin Robison, Jennifer Goulder, Kimberly Keys, Atty. Daphne Wooten, Bertha Grady, Brenda Jenkins, Renee Hatchie, Charlie Lathan, and a host of others, as well as special cousin Pastor Henry Wright, Seventh-Day Adventist Family, and many more.
Services will be held on October 28, 2024, at Trinity Missionary Baptist Church, 3950 Paine Circle
Honolulu, HI 96818 at 1:00 PM.
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