03/30/2026
In honor of Women's History Month, join us in celebrating Shari!
One of the defining hallmarks of Shari McPhersonâs life has always been her deep and enduring love for children.
She is the proud mother of three daughters, Pam, Kimber, and Megan, and has influenced hundreds of young lives through her years as an elementary school teacher, educating students from kindergarten through fifth grade across the United States. Shari has never simply enjoyed children; she has always been deeply invested in their safety, growth, and well-being. Her favorite place in the world is opening a book with a child and stepping together into the world those pages create. This love of children and learning is the golden thread woven throughout her life story.
Shariâs story begins in 1944, during the final years of World War II. Born Sharon Ann, she was a tiny infant who spent extra time in the hospital, quickly winning the hearts of nurses, doctors, and staff alike. So many people became attached to her that several even asked if they might adopt her. Her father was a casualty of the war, and her mother, Mary, had no choice but to work. Despite the uncertainty of those early years, Shari always knew she was loved. Every evening at 6:00 p.m., her mother returned home to care for her, and whenever Shari needed extra attention, her mother was there.
Eventually, Mary brought Shari âhomeâ to a shared room with a friend whose husband was overseas. Shariâs first crib was a dresser drawer. While her mother worked, Shari stayed with several families over the years, unofficial foster homes that provided stability, affection, and lasting memories. She fondly recalls a father figure who welcomed her home each day with joyful hugs and an aunt, uncle, and cousins who wanted her to remain part of their family permanently.
During this time, young Shari once expressed sadness about not having a father like the other children. A kind woman caring for her replied, âWhy Shari, you have the very best father. Your father is in heaven, and He is perfect.â That moment marked the beginning of a strong and enduring faith that would guide Shari throughout her life. Even today, she treasures and repeats those words.
In first grade, Shari began dance lessons at Grace Ann School of Dance. By high school, she had started her own dance school, once again sharing her talents with children. At age ten, her accomplishments included writing an article for the school paper, performing a tap dance at a PTA meeting, earning five years of perfect attendance, playing piano at a recital, and dancing in Alice in Wonderland. Her mother proudly encouraged her to perform throughout the community, nurturing Shariâs confidence and creativity.
Dance also led to one of Shariâs most memorable experiences, performing the Can-Can in Dodge City during summers throughout high school. She danced with the same group of women for four consecutive years, never missing a performance, earning a reputation for dedication and professionalism.
Shari also developed impressive domestic skills through Girl Scouts and 4-H, mastering sewing, baking, and crafts. These talents stayed with her for life. She sewed countless costumes, home décor pieces, clothing for her children, and handcrafted gifts. Her creations, including American Girl doll clothing sold to support her alma mater, Cottey College, reflected both artistry and care.
Although Shari began school early and struggled with reading as a child, that challenge ultimately shaped her into the award-winning educator she became. She often spoke with awe about the joy of finally learning to read, a joy that inspired her lifelong love of books. Reading became her constant companion, whether at the beach, on the couch, or waiting for her childrenâs activities to end.
Shariâs favorite grade to teach was second grade, because it was where children learned to read. She called it âthe magic of readingâ and believed guiding children to that moment was her greatest privilege.
After attending Cottey College, where she thrived in an all-women academic environment, Shari went on to earn her degree from the University of Kansas. There, she met her husband, Al, whom she married after her senior year. Life took them across the countryâCalifornia, Indiana, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Illinoisâand eventually, full circle, back to Kansas.
Today, that golden thread is still visible in the way she meets children at eye level, in her laughter, in her curiosity about othersâ stories, and in the love she pours into her grandchildren. Shari McPhersonâs life is a testament to the power of kindness, learning, and unwavering devotion to nurturing young hearts.
