Sharon D. Burkey 1950-2026

Sharon was born July 15, 1950, in Youngstown, a daughter of the late Samuel and Darlene Gatty Bellino.

On Aug. 3, 1968, Sharon married the love of her life, William H. Burkey. The two shared 45 beautiful years of marriage until William’s passing on Feb. 27, 2014.

Sharon worked for many years at Dollar General, where she served as a keyholder and was well known by both co-workers and customers. She had a personality that was impossible to miss — Sharon was famously known as a “no filter” grandma who always told the honest truth. If you wanted the real answer, Sharon was the person to ask.

She loved traveling the world, especially visiting Italy and spending time at the beach. Sharon enjoyed good food, people-watching and trying her luck gambling. She was also artistic and creative, often expressing herself through her artwork. Sharon was tough, stubborn at times and loved to be right, but behind that strong personality was a woman with an incredibly big heart. She welcomed everyone with open arms and was always there when someone needed her. Her family will remember her as fun, funny, patient and fiercely loving.

Sharon is survived by her children, Darlene (Mark McKissack) Burkey of Lake Wales, Florida, Joann Burkey of Youngstown, Shelly Roman of Campbell and Robert Burkey of Canfield; 12 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren; and her brother, Samuel Bellino of Lakeland, Florida; as well as several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and husband, Sharon was preceded in death by her son, Scott Burkey, and daughter-in-law, Hannah Burkey.

A celebration of Sharon’s life, followed by a meal and fellowship, will be 6 p.m. Saturday, March 21, 2026, at the Cunningham-Becker Funeral Home Family Center, 270 N. Main St., Poland, OH 44514.

Online condolences may be shared at www.beckerobits.com.

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