Sharon Gay Maynard
1952—2026
Sharon Gay Maynard, 73, passed away Feb. 2, 2026, surrounded by loved ones.
Born Dec. 29, 1952, she was the daughter of the late Anna Mae Maynard and Estel Maynard.
She is now resting in the arms of her Savior, Jesus, without a worry and with a big smile. Her memory will forever be cherished in the hearts of all who loved her.
“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” Romans 8:18.
Sharon was a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, daughter and aunt whose love for her family was evident in every season of her life. She will be remembered for her love of family, her gentle spirit and the lasting impact she made on those who knew her best. Her laugh will be deeply missed by her family.
Sharon always had a positive light to shine on every situation. She was a “there you are” kind of person instead of a “here I am” kind of person, always making her family feel loved and known. Sharon was a cool granny who enjoyed playing video games like Super Mario, Sonic, and Super Metroid with her grandchildren, and she always won.
She was the proud and loving mother of her only daughter, Anna Melissa (Kirby) Howell of Inez. She found immense joy in her grandchildren: Kayla (Matt) Meade of Georgetown, Courtney (David) Walker of Louisa and Ashley Howell of Inez. Sharon was also blessed to be a great-grandmother to Molly Kate Meade of Georgetown and Holden Reed Walker of Hindman, both of whom brought her great happiness.
Survivors also include her sisters Debbie (Danny) Slone, Pamela Sue Moore, Mary Jane (James) Hannah and Cynthia McGinnis, all of Beauty; and her brothers, Estel (Beth) Maynard of Knoxville, Tennessee, and Dane (Paula) Maynard of Beauty. Sharon held a special place in her heart for her nieces, Brandie Moore of Beauty and Alicia (Kevin) Thomas of Huntington, West Virginia, along with a host of other nieces and nephews whom she loved.
Funeral took place Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026, at Crum Funeral Home in Inez. A private burial followed at the Maynard Cemetery in Beauty at a later date, under the direction of Crum Funeral Home of Inez.