On June 13 th Sharon Grey Hornsby peacefully passed away surrounded by loved ones in the comfort of her home in Alexandria Virginia, after a hard-fought battle with cancer. Sharon was
born on April 19, 1969 in Kingston Jamaica, to proud parents George and Thelma Grey.
Sharon is a proud graduate of Alfred University, where she earned her BA degree in English Literature. She then went on to earn a Master’s degree in Public & International Relations from
Virginia Tech. After serving in the Army, she built a successful career supporting US foreign military sales. To those who knew her, she will be remembered for her contagious smile, relentless passion and care for those she loved, and a huge presence and personality that extended far beyond her physical size.
Sharon was preceded in death by her father George Grey, and is survived by her loving husband Tom Hornsby, 2 stepdaughters Amanda and Samantha, mother Thelma Grey, six siblings Milton
Galloway, Sonia Edwards, Ainsworth Grey, Orville “Wayne” Grey, Patrice Grey, and Suzette Grey, as well as a number of nieces, nephews, and extended family.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Sharon’s favorite cause, Peace and Love Academic Scholarship (Palas1.org) an organization committed to supporting the educational
advancement and achievement of students in need across the Caribbean.
Arrangements are entrusted to Cunningham Turch Funeral Home of Alexandria. In light of travel and gathering precautions due to the ongoing health pandemic, a small memorial
gathering will be held on June 27th, 2020 followed by final internment at Arlington National Cemetery at a future date.
Offer Condolence for the family of Sharon Erica Grey Hornsby
Sharon, I wish we had more time. I wish we kept in touch more. I long to hear your voice and see your smile. Until we meet again, my dear friend!
I just learned of Sharon’s death and am so saddened. The world will be a bit more dim without her bright smile and sharp wit. I had the pleasure of being a colleague of hers at the Department of State where we were constantly tilting at windmills. Her determination, grace, and humility made her a great colleague and friend. She was such a professional when she needed to be and so fun and personable on the margins – it was a wonderful combination. Her laugh made the hard days easier and her outside of the box thinking could help identify solutions to some of the more challenging problems. My heart goes out to you all. You will be in my prayers.
It was a pleasure to have Sharon as a work colleague since 2011.
I (and I’m sure…all of DASA (DE&C), will miss her greatly appreciated dry wit and her wonderful seasonal/special event cubicle decorations and costumes.
Hey Sharon. We miss you terribly but we’re re-telling the tales of your magnificence for comfort. You were a better friend than I could have ever conjured in hopes or dreams. As stubborn as a grown Mississippi mule, in mid-August, but that was part of your charm. The waves of memories are, intermittently, soul searing in their clarity, halting breathe and temporarily blinding. Other times, they sneak into conversations with people who you’d never met, a tender and welcomed reminder of your intelligence and beauty, your sass and spunk, your dedication and your loyalty. And as gentle as a gnat’s wing falling from on high, I smile while identifying your vibration. When I get there, we’ll finish the manuscript we started in Hoover’s and write that novel across the heavens. I’ll bring the libations
May God continue to comfort Sharon’s husband, Tom, and other loved ones at this time. My heartfelt condolences to the family. I worked at DASA DE&C with Sharon and will miss her and especially her awesome smile. May loving memories give you peace. You are in my prayers. God bless you
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family in this time of sorrow. May the God of all comfort help to ease the pain of your grief. Thinking of you all.
My deepest sympathy to Tom and all of Sharon’s family. Sharon and I worked together on the Asia Pacific team at DASA DEC. I’ll always remember her professional ambition, strong work ethic and sense of humor. She had the ability to be serious and hilarious from one minute to the next. She also liked to cook and would use personal time to bake birthday cakes for fellow co-workers. I’ll miss our long phone calls and listening to her stories, particularly of dreams for the future. Rest in peace dear friend.