Sharon Dawn Bayless

Sharon Dawn Bayless left this earthly dwelling and entered with joy into the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on May 13, 2015. She was born September 7, 1941 in Benton Harbor, Michigan. Sharon graduated from Benton Harbor High School in 1959 and in 1960 she married her first husband, Ron Burr. They then moved to Santa Monica, CA and started a family. There, she was active in ministry at First Baptist Church of Santa Monica through participation in the choir. Sharon worked as a nurse receptionist for the famous "Dr. of the Stars", Dr. Rex Kennamer in Beverly Hills, CA. She was on a first name basis with many Hollywood famous including Jack Benny, Robert Wagner, Carol Channing, George Burns, and Jonathon Winters to name a few. In Sherman Oaks, CA, Sharon met her second husband, Bill Bayless, in a Christian Choral group. They married in 1976. Bill, Sharon, Dave, and Shelly made their new home in San Luis Obispo, CA where Bill worked for the California Department of Corrections. As Bill was promoted, they moved to Upland, CA and later settled in Visalia, CA. Sharon followed Bill into the field of California Corrections, working as Secretary to the Assistant Warden in Corcoran, CA. Together Sharon and Bill served the Lord through musicthey participated in countless church productions and musicals, served in the choir, and sang duets together frequently. The Bayless's were faithful members of Visalia 1st Assembly and later Gateway Church. Sharon and Bill enjoyed life to the fullest as they vacationed with friends and family in Pismo Beach, CA, travelled to England and Scotland, and cruised through the Caribbean. They also cherished extended-family holiday gatherings at their home in Visalia. Bill passed away in 2008. Sharon continued to live a robust life. She enjoyed working in her garden and visiting grandchildren in Southern California and the Auburn, CA area. She travelled often to Michigan and Florida for family visits and class reunions. Throughout her life, Sharon served in ministry, chaperoned for her children's choir tours, participated in various bible studies, volunteered for service groups, and assisted friends by driving them to Church. Sharon was also a mentor for MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers), a volunteer quilter with Garden of Hope Ministries, and a frequent Bunco playera game that she enthusiastically looked forward to with her cherished friends. She also served as a camp counselor for Royal Family Kids Camp. Her life before God has touched many people, especially her children Dave and Shelly, who both currently serve in full time ministry. Sharon is preceded in death by her husband, Bill Bayless. She is survived by her four children, David Burr (wife Karen) of Chino Hills, CA, Shelly Brown (husband Richard) of Roseville, CA, David Bayless (wife Brenda) of Auburn, CA, Julie Neal (husband Mike) of San Juan Capistrano, CA, her grandchildren, Brittany Burr, Benjamin Burr, Nicholas Burr, Jesse Brown, Sarah Brown, Rebekah Brown, Jennifer Hartin (husband Josh), Melody Bayless (Kevin Fox), Katelin Neal, Ryan Neal, great grandchildren Micah Hartin, Wyatt Hartin, Adelin Hartin, Emmit Hartin, Tristan Fox and her brother, Warren Van Osdal (wife Bobbie) of South Bend, IN and many beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews and a host of special friends and extended family. A memorial service and reception will be held Saturday, June 20th at 11:00am at Gateway Church in Visalia. To honor Sharon's love of her beautiful spring garden, please join us in wearing colorful attire. She would love that. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial donation to MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) at www.mops.org/donate or Royal Family Kids at www.royalfamilykids.org/donate/