Peggy Louise Cornell Sharpe

Peggy Louise Cornell Sharpe, of Columbia, SC, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 10, 2026, at the remarkable age of 101. She leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, strength, laughter, and unwavering devotion to her family. The funeral service for Mrs. Sharpe will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Monday, May 18, 2026, at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Chapel, 7600 Trenholm Road, Columbia, with the Reverend Eric Nahass and Mrs. Kim Sanders officiating. The family will receive friends beginning at 11:30 a.m. Interment will follow at 2:00 p.m. at Fort Jackson National Cemetery, 4170 Percival Road, Columbia.

Peggy was born in Ardmore, Oklahoma, on September 9, 1924, to the late Orville and Forrest Howard Cornell. Her grandparents lovingly raised Peggy after she lost her parents at a very young age. From those early hardships grew a woman of incredible strength, compassion, and resilience. As an only child, her greatest desire in life was to have a large and loving family, and she fulfilled that dream beyond measure.

Peggy met and married the love of her life, James Woodrow "JW" Sharpe, in 1942 while JW was stationed at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, during World War II. After Mr. Sharpe's service in the Army ended, the couple moved to Columbia in 1945, where together they built a beautiful life centered around faith, family, and love.
She was an active member of Bayview Baptist Church until she could no longer attend in person. Her faith in God remained a guiding force throughout her life, reflected in the kindness, grace, and compassion she showed others every day.

Peggy was the kind of person whose presence made the world gentler. She smiled often—and she meant every smile. Everyone who met her described her the same way: sweet, thoughtful, caring, funny, and truly incredible. She had a way of making people feel seen, loved, and welcome. Her kindness was genuine, effortless, and lasting.

She was eternally optimistic, even through life's hardest moments. Peggy was tough and stubborn when she needed to be, but never hard-hearted. Her strength came from love, faith in God and her family, and a determination to keep going no matter what life placed before her. She faced life with grace, humor, and resilience that inspired everyone around her.

Above all else, Peggy loved her family. Nothing brought her greater joy than gathering with the people she loved most. Holidays and family occasions were her favorite times—filled with good food, laughter, stories, and the comfort of simply being together. She created a home and a life centered around love, and her family will forever carry those memories with them.

Peggy was preceded in death by her beloved husband, James W. "J.W." Sharpe, and her grandson, James Sean Union. Survivors include, her children, Patsy O'Brien, (Charles), of Lexington, Kaye Union, of Beaufort, James W. "Woody" Sharpe Jr. (Mary) of Columbia, Orville C. Sharpe, (Brian) of Columbia, Rudolph "Tooty" Sharpe (Lynette) of Pelion, Dale Ward (David) of Columbia and Gale Greer (Mike) of Anderson; 14 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; and 5 great-great grandchildren. Her love stretched across generations, and each member of her family was touched by her warmth, encouragement, and endless care.

Though her family grieves her passing, they also celebrate the extraordinary blessing of having had Peggy in their lives. Peggy's gentle spirit, infectious smile, humor, and unconditional love will never be forgotten. The family extends heartfelt thanks to Peggy's caregivers for their kindness, compassion, and devoted care.

A life so beautifully lived leaves a legacy that time cannot erase.

Instead of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the American Cancer Society, PO Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741.