Sharon Marie Waites

It is with great sadness that we announce that Sharon Waites passed away on Friday, February 23, 2024, at 5:01 p.m. She will be truly missed.

Sharon was born in Fort Worth, Texas, on November 25, 1955, to Taylor Waites Jr. and Lovie Faye Waites. During her life on this earth, she touched many lives. Sharon was a giving and caring person. Her friends say she would do anything for them and was always there when they needed her. Sharon was known for being bold, courageous, and confident. As the first black homecoming queen at Eldorado High School in Albuquerque, NM, in 1973, she walked down the carnation ramp with her big orange afro and orange backless gown with grace and astonishing beauty.  

After graduating high school, Sharon attended New Mexico State University (NMSU), majored in Education, and worked for General Electric in Albuquerque for several years. During her time at NMSU, she became a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. One of her Soros remembers her as being “tall,” “fierce,” and “beautiful,” and another stated that she had many fond memories of Sharon from their time at NMSU. Sharon had only one child, Shawntell Monique Waites, who preceded her in death but provided her with four grandchildren, Saysonci Peters, Shakill Waites, Shaquoia Waites and Shawtyeria Waites, and seven great-grandchildren, Jeremiiah Peters, Jasiiah Peters, JaNoah Peters, Royalty Peters, Calliope Godwin, Sereniti Palmer and J’reamli Palmer, and others who Sharon carried in her heart.    

Sharon is survived by her mother Lovie Waites along with her brothers and sisters, Artis Jackson, Leonard Waites, Esther Waites, Michael Waites, Reggie Waites,  and Gena Jones, and is also preceded by her father, Taylor Waites Jr., and her granddaughter, Shawtyeria Waites.

We love you dearly, Sharon. May you now rest in peace in God’s Kingdom.

The service For Sharon will be held on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, 11:00 a.m. Strong-Thome Mortuary 1100 Coal Ave. SE, Albuquerque, NM 87106