Sharon K. Souza
July 1, 1952 – May 21, 2025
Sharon K. Souza was welcomed into the loving arms of her Savior on Wednesday, May 21, 2025.
Born in Fresno, California, to Oscar and Louise Whiteley, Sharon spent most of her life in Lodi, where she and the love of her life, Rick Souza, built a home and a beautiful life together.
In 1970, Sharon met Rick Souza, a Marine preparing to deploy overseas. Within 15 days, they were engaged—a spontaneous and faithful start to a marriage that would last 54 years. Together, they raised three children and built a life centered on love, family, and faith.
Sharon was an artist at heart. She found joy in painting, drawing, quilting, crocheting, and especially writing. She authored several Christian fiction novels, sharing her faith and imagination with readers far and wide. Among her most beloved titles are Annie Walker and The Color of Sorrow Isn’t Blue. All of her titles can be found on her website: sharonksouza.com.
In the 1980s, Sharon worked as a teacher’s aide at Century Christian High School—a season she cherished deeply. The friendships she formed with fellow staff and students became lifelong connections that remained close to her heart.
She was a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, daughter, and friend. Sharon treasured time spent with her family and created a legacy of love, creativity, and unwavering faith.
She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
Sharon is survived by her husband, Rick Souza; her daughters, Mindy Grant and Deanne (Justin) Barth; her grandchildren, Joshua Sanders, Haleigh Souza, Katelyn Barth, Jacob Souza, David Souza, Jayden Grant, and Abbie Grant; and her great-grandchildren, Kydan Kirkwood-Yates and Sawyer Barajas. She is also survived by her brother, Gary (Michelle) Whiteley; sisters, Janet Cerutti and Laura (Ken) Carter; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and in-laws.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Oscar Whiteley, Louise Wells, and Bill Wells; her brother, John Whiteley; her twin sister, Karen Whiteley; her son, Brian Souza; and her son-in-law, Corey Grant.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Faith Home Adult Teen Challenge at www.fhtc.life.
SERVICE
A service will be held at 10:00am on Friday, May 29th, 2025 at the Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.
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Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Souza family.