February 9, 1956 – January 26, 2024
BUXTON –Born February 9, 1956, Sharon Lee Peele Kennedy, a lady known for her beautiful smile and her passion for life, passed peacefully at her home in Buxton on January 26, 2024, with her beloved sons by her side and surrounded by her loving family.
Sharon was preceded in death by her parents, Maxton and Juanita Peele, husband Jeff Kennedy, Sr., and brother Maxton Peele.
She is survived by her sons, Jeffrey Kennedy and Wyatt Kennedy; sister, Patricia Peele; brother, Michael (Claudia) Peele; nieces, Jennifer Scarbrough, Amy Goodman, and Michelle Willis; nephew, Maxton, Jr.; and her granddaughters, who brought her so much joy, Lilyauna Kennedy and Aurora Kennedy.
Sharon was known far and wide, and everyone who ever knew Sharon will remember her as a woman full of life, joy, and compassion. When you were graced with Sharon’s infectious smile, you knew you had met someone special. Sharon lived a life filled with optimism, there was no hurdle she could not overtake, no obstacle that could stop her. She spent her life fighting for Hatteras Island and the people who lived there. There was no one more fierce in fighting to protect this place and the heritage that was part of her life.
Sharon was the force that started NC Catch and became a voice for the commercial fishing industry. Sharon’s name will forever be part of NC Catch, Outer Banks Catch, and the Outer Banks Seafood Festival. Being the daughter of a commercial fisherman, her passion ran deep for the industry. Just as passionate about cooking, Sharon wrote multiple cookbooks and hosted a radio show for the past ten years that carried the name of her cookbooks, “What’s for Supper.” Through Sharon’s cooking, she told the stories of island life. With her wonderful antidotes and the simplicity of her recipes, she created a picture of the life she loved, and she loved sharing it with everyone she met. Sharon’s cooking skills and her passion also led her to Farm Aid, where she continued to spread the message of how vital the commercial fishing industry is. Just as everyone discovered, Sharon was an advocate that could not be ignored, she met with senators and leaders in our county and our state and never ceased gaining their respect and help in her cause.
Sharon was also a big part of the Cape Hatteras United Methodist Men and will fondly be remembered as their “House Mom.” As they worked in the community to help those after each disaster, Sharon was right there, preparing meals, offering that wonderful smile and a kind word. She never failed to lift their spirits and bring hope to everyone involved.
Sharon was also a hairstylist and owned ClipperShip Salon in Buxton. She also managed the historical bed-and-breakfast Seaside Inn for many years; she loved nothing more than sharing her stories and cooking with all their visitors. Sharon’s life was full and touched so many over the years.
Sharon did everything with love and joy, from feeding her family to feeding hundreds, from writing books to hosting her radio show. But she was never happier than when she was with family and friends. She never smiled more than when she held her granddaughters. We will forever see her on the beach with that big smile and those arms always open to receive anyone who needed to feel loved, to feel special, to feel the joy of life as only Sharon could give.
A memorial service will be held at 10:00 am on Monday, February 12, 2024, at Our Lady of the Seas Catholic Parish.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Sharon’s memory may be made to the Cape Hatteras United Methodist Men (PO Box 1591, Buxton, NC 27920) or the Hatteras Island Cancer Foundation (PO Box 442, Hatteras, NC 27943).
Twiford Funeral Homes, Outer Banks is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.TwifordFH.com.
