Sharan Denise Polk (Varnum)

Sharan Denise Polk (Varnum), 60, a native of Americus, was born on July 23, 1965, to the late James Alvin Varnum Sr. and Edythe Ann Varnum (Johnson). She passed away on March 10, 2026, at St. Francis Hospital in Columbus, Georgia.

Sharan was known for her kindness and generosity, always going above and beyond to help those in need. She was endlessly proud of her grandchildren and found her greatest joy simply in being with them. They were the center of her world, just as she was the center of theirs. Whenever they walked into the room, her eyes lit up and her whole spirit seemed to rise as if their presence alone filled her with light.

She is survived by her husband of 40 loving years, Shelby; her daughter and only child, Heather Richard; two grandchildren, Brianna and Benjamin Richard, all of Americus; a sister, Jane Rigsby (Leon) of Ellaville; two brothers, Alvin Varnum (Linda) of Americus and Danny Varnum of Plains; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Sharan is preceded in death by her brother, Carl Douglas Varnum.