Sharon Sue Menefee

Sharon Sue Menefee, beloved mother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully at the age of 75 after battling glioblastoma. She was born on June 27, 1949, in Hobbs, New Mexico, to Douglas W. Menefee and Dorothy M. Menefee (Birdwell), both of whom preceded her in death. Sharon’s early years were filled with adventure, living in diverse locations such as Colorado Springs, Seattle, Washington, Brazil, Bahrain, and Trinidad. These experiences enriched her life with diverse cultures and friendships. She eventually settled in Lafayette, Louisiana, to raise her two children on her own, with periodic company transfers to Denver, Shreveport, and Houston. Despite these moves, she always returned to Lafayette, where her heart truly belonged. Sharon was a trailblazer in the Oil and Gas industry, following in her father’s footsteps. She began her career as a receptionist while raising her children and, through hard work and determination, rose to become a well-respected Senior Planning Analyst. Her colleagues admired her dedication, intelligence, and perseverance. In addition to her professional achievements, Sharon had a vibrant creative side. Upon retiring, she founded Contessa Design, a small business where she handcrafted beautiful glass cabochons, fused glass vases, and captivating artwork featuring cardinals. Her pieces brought joy and inspiration to many, with her cardinal artworks finding homes through her unique “adoption” program. Sharon was an avid traveler and cherished exploring new cultures and destinations. She also had a passion for gardening, often spending her weekends nurturing her plants and creating beautiful outdoor spaces. Her creativity extended to her cooking, where she was known for her delicious homemade meals that brought her family and friends together. Sharon’s family was her pride and joy. She is survived by her sister, Sharla Thomason, and her nephews, Jim Thomason and JD Thomason. Sharon is also survived by her two sons, Douglas S. Menefee, married to Leigha H. Menefee, and Wayne W. Lobb, as well as her close friend, Oswald Brown. She was preceded in death by her brother-in-law, Jimmy “Jim” Thomason, whose memory she cherished deeply. Sharon was also a past Duchess of the Krewe of Victoria, a Queen of Krewe Tous Seul, and an active member and officer of the women’s sorority Beta Sigma Phi. She was known for her warm heart, infectious laughter, and unwavering support for those she loved. She was a beacon of kindness and generosity, always ready to lend a helping hand or a listening ear. Throughout her life, she volunteered for many organizations, including Parents Without Partners, the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce, and Hospice of Acadiana, reflecting her commitment to her community and her desire to make a positive impact on those around her. Her friends and family will forever cherish the memories of her lively spirit and her unwavering optimism. A favorite memory shared by her family is her annual holiday gatherings, where her home was filled with laughter, love, and the delicious aroma of her home-cooked meals. Sharon’s ability to bring people together and create lasting memories was truly a gift. Sharon will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Her spirit will live on through her art, her family, and the countless lives she touched throughout her journey. A celebration of life memorial service will be held on September 28th from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the Acadiana Center for the Arts. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Acadiana or Hospice of Acadiana in her memory. To attend the memorial, please RSVP at http://tinyurl.com/SMenefee. Copyright Delhomme Funeral Homes, Inc. August 2024.

Sharon Sue Menefee

June 27, 1949 - August 9, 2024