Sharon Kathleen Rhue

Sharon Kathleen Rhue, a woman of grace, creativity, and intellect, passed away on August 20th 2026, leaving behind a beautiful legacy of love for the world around her. Born November 16th 1959 in Mebane, North Carolina, she was the cherished daughter of Dalton Benjamin Rhue and Katherine Dismuke Rhue.

Sharon spent her formative years in Mebane, graduating from Eastern Alamance High School before earning her undergraduate degree from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in 1981. Her natural elegance and striking 5'8" stature caught the attention of the fashion industry during her youth. Though her quiet humility kept her wondering why she was chosen, her family knew it was simply because she was stunningly beautiful. This runway experience blossomed into a successful career as a professional fashion model in New York City and Los Angeles, and her features were frequently showcased in *Southern Bride* magazine.

Later in life, Sharon channeled her love of learning and a deep desire to care for the earth into a meaningful new path. She pursued advanced studies at UCLA and North Carolina State University, ultimately earning a Master’s Degree in Landscape Architecture. Sharon and her husband, Steven Paul Jones, eventually settled in Greenville, North Carolina, where she found her architectural family with The East Group. where she played a role in designing and sculpting the city of Greenville NC and grounds at East Carolina University during a period of major expansion. As one of the first landscape architects practicing in the Greenville region, Sharon was the vision behind many places that have become part of the community’s landscape. Her work lives on through projects including Greenville’s Town Common Park waterfront, Wildwood Park welcome center and playground, Cypress Glen Retirement Community expansion, and numerous projects at East Carolina University. Just as meaningful as the places she helped create was the influence she had on the people who followed her. Sharon mentored and trained a growing generation of landscape architects during her career, and her legacy continues through both the places she designed and the professionals she helped shape.

Above all, Sharon was defined by her gentle spirit. Whether tending to plants, caring for animals, or offering a kind word, she treated all living things with an open heart. She was exceptionally beautiful inside and out—gracious, humble, and entirely without judgment. Everyone who entered her sphere was left better for it.

Sharon is survived by her devoted husband, Steven Paul Jones; her son Skyler Maxwell Rhue/Jones his wife Lynsey and grandchildren Payton, Rory and Callen, brothers, Barry Martin Rhue and Darin Benjamin Rhue (Donna Tate); her aunt, Sylvia Dismuke Perry; and a large, loving extended family of cousins, nieces, and nephews. She was preceded in death by her beloved brother, Douglas Moore Rhue.

In her memory a celebration of life will be held at St. Timothy's Episcopal Church in Greenville NC on November 14th at 11am.  A graveside service will be held on November 13, 2026 at 11am at Oakwood Cemetery in Mebane, NC.

Even though Sharon loved flowers and plants, she loved animals more, especially cats. She requested a donation to Purr Partners Feline Rescue in Raleigh NC instead of flowers. She had a close relationship with this rescue charity