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Carlene Diane Sharples

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Carlene Diane Sharples

Carlene Diane Sharples, 69, a St. James City resident for the last 13 years, formerly of Randolph, NJ, died Thursday, Jan. 24, 2013, in Cape Coral. She was born in Corning, Calif., to J. Carl Davis, whom survives and resides in Rialto, Calif., and Roberta Faye Davis who preceded her in death in 1996.

She was a social worker in California in her early career, where she earned accolades including East Yolo County Employee of the Year and served as Honorary Mayor of West Sacramento, Calif. She was also one of the founders of the Salud Health Clinic to provide much needed medical services for local residents.

She was an avid horsewoman throughout her life and served on the board of directors of the Welsh Pony and Cob Society of America.

Her family relocated to New Jersey, where she was a real estate sales associate for many years. She became active with the local 4-H, and was honored as “Woman of the Year” by that organization. She also helped found the Saidia organization to provide medical supplies to the people of Africa.

In 1999, she relocated to Pine Island. There she became active in the Garden Club, From Our Hearts and was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary. She dedicated much of her time to volunteer work for the American Red Cross, where she served as the disaster chair for the Southern Gulf Coast Region.

She is survived by her loving husband of almost 50 years, G. John Sharples of St. James City; beloved children, Wendy (Jack) Lusardi and John J. (Tatiana) Sharples, all of Randolph, N.J.; sister, Cherylee Davis DeYoung of San Bernardino, Calif.; and grandchildren, Nicholas and Sidney Lusardi and Andrew and Emilia Sharples.

In addition to her mother, she was also preceded in death by her brothers, Dr. Clint C. Davis and Craig J. Davis.

Visitation was held Monday, Jan. 28, 2013, at Mullins Memorial in Cape Coral. Memorial services followed at Hope Hospice North in Cape Coral.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Hope Hospice, 9470 Healthpark Circle, Fort Myers, FL 33908, or the Southern Gulf Coast Region of the American Red Cross, 7051 Cypress Terrace, Unit 110, Fort Myers, FL 33907.

Friends are invited to send condolences via the online guest book which can be found at: www.MullinsMemorial.com.

Mullins Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Service is entrusted with final care.