Sharon Alwin Brown-McKinley transitioned peacefully on March 20, 2026, surrounded by love. She was born on January 7, 1956, in Southport, NC. Sharon was raised in Bridgeton, NJ where she attended Bridgeton High School and graduated in 1974. She continued her education at Glassboro State (Rowan University).

In 1977, she joined the Army and became a drill sergeant and customs officer. She was honorably discharged in 1981 where she was awarded a Good Conduct Medal, an Army Service Ribbon, an Overseas Ribbon and a NCO Professional Development Ribbon in recognition for her service in the Army. Sharon was a proud veteran and continued to support her fellow veterans.

After leaving the service Sharon settled in Baltimore Md. where she raised her three daughters. She opened a daycare shortly after moving to Baltimore and had the respect of the community for ensuring the kids in the community were taught, fed and learned respect for themselves & others. She also worked at the Baltimore police station as a dispatch operator for several years.

Sharon had a warm loving, strong & vibrant soul. She found joy in life's simple pleasures by cooking good food, reading, enjoying her favorite Disney & Marvel movies and spending time with her girls, grandchildren & family.

Sharon leaves to cherish her legacy three daughters; Josephine McKinley, Jahcel Cooper & Ja'net Cooper, five grandchildren-Douglas & Jahshua Pitman, Apple Cooper, Quincy Wise & Layla Wing; she also leaves to cherish five brothers- Richard Brown(Mirella), Kendall Brown, Roderick(Roberta), Joseph Brown & John Brown; four sisters Wanda Brown-Benton, Priscilla Brown-Logan, Sarah Brown & Zandra Brown.

She also leaves a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, aunts & uncles. She was predeceased in death by her Father - Richard Brown, Mother -Josie Mae Jackson Brown, Fraternal grandparents - Richard Moore & Priscilla Brown Clark, maternal grandparents - Wilbert Jackson & Josephine McMillian Bellamy

We will truly miss Sharon's love, her contagious laughter & magnetic smile, her legacy will be remembered forever!

Humbly Submitted, The Family!