Billie Sue Sharp was born to William and Kate Stiewig in Tulsa, OK on December 6, 1935. Her legacy lies in her faith in God, raising three children on her own, devotion to late husband Arthur Sharp, and the resilient grace by which she aged. The heavenly Father welcomed her home into His arms on October 10, 2026 in Roswell, NM at the age of 90.

Billie was open with family and others about her commitment to God. While living in Midland, TX, she was a member of the St. Paul United Methodist Church. She then became a member of Highland Baptist Church while living in Roswell, NM. Her legacy as a strong and independent woman shone when she became a mother of three to Jackie, Andrew, and Mark between the years of 1957 and 1961, while married to Jack C. Wyatt. They lived in Denver, CO for ten years. After divorcing Jack in 1969, she moved her family closer to relatives in Artesia, NM for a fresh start. She purchased a house while employed with Union Supply for ten years. In addition to her work, she was an active member of the Desk and Derrick Club. As a single mother, there were many times she had to rely on her faith in God.

Her children remember her as a family-oriented Mother who made time for fun when she could. They loved having wonderful meals at Uncle Jimmy’s, Nanny’s and Papa’s house. There, they were treated to one soda of their choice. They also relished in those $0.25 tacos in the back seat of the family car, trips to Disneyland with their Aunt Josephine, and watching their Mother square dance. They also loved her home cooked meals. Her grandchildren remember her setting an example of self-care. She regularly treated herself to hairdresser appointments. She dressed sharply, and she frequently wore sparkling shoes that made her appearance even brighter. During visits, they enjoyed shopping trips together. Her hugs felt so good to them. Her peacemaking demeanor and gentle voice are other hallmarks of her legacy.

Billie’s legacy was strengthened when she met the love of her life, Arthur Olan Sharp, in 1977. They married in Artesia, NM in 1978. She gained three daughters; Christie, Cindy, and Caren. She became a homemaker for the first time her life. After marrying, the couple moved to Midland, TX. During those years, Billie enjoyed supporting Art while he coached softball. In 1988, the couple moved to Cloudcroft, New Mexico where they enjoyed fishing and hiking in the mountains. Her grandchildren remember playing in the mountains at their cabin during visits. Art and Billie’s final move was to Roswell, NM in 1993. They became members of the Optimist Club and Highland Baptist Church. They helped organize a number of Sharp family reunions that played a special role in their kids’ and grandchildren’s lives. They were happily married for 48 years before Art was called to rest on July 23, 2023 in Roswell, NM. Billie’s legacy continued into her later years. It was shaped by the resilience she showed while receiving care from her daughter, Jackie, at their home together in Roswell, NM. 

Billie was preceded in death by her parents, William and Kate Stiewig; sisters Dorothy Frick, Josephine Johnston, and June Hartley; brother James D. Stiewig; son Mark C. Wyatt; granddaughter Elizabeth Berger Ball; and husband Art Sharp. 

Billie is survived by her daughter Jackie Wyatt of Roswell, NM, son Andrew Wyatt (Gloria) of Argyle, TX, daughters Christie Berger (Gillett) of Waxahachie, TX, Cindy Jergensen (Michael) of Collierville, TN, and Caren Redkey (Chris) of Parker, CO; grandchildren Shawna Wyatt of Lake Dallas, TX, Brianna Wyatt Evans (Danny) of Lantana, TX, Kevin Ball of San Antonio, TX, Ben Berger of Waxahachie, TX, Meredith Berger Gonzalez (Vincent) of Waxahachie, TX, Carrie Anne Jurgensen Sandoval (Chris) of San Diego, CA, Cathleen Jergensen Bowie (Andrew) of Collierville, TN, Cassie Lee Jurgensen of San Diego, CA, Sarah Redkey Kittelson (Michael) of Denver, CO, and Michael Redkey (Heddi) of Aurora, CO; and great grandchildren Landyn and Casyn Evans, Nellie Ball, Lily and Beckett Gonzalez, Magnolia Sandoval, Turner and Mary Carver Bowie, and Emerson Redkey.

Cremation took place at Lagrone Funeral Chapel and Crematory. Family and friends are invited to her Celebration of Life service at 11 a.m. on Saturday, November 21, 2026 at Highland Baptist Church located at 2001 S. Lea Ave., Roswell, NM 88203.


Toby Martinez is a multimedia journalist with the Roswell Daily Record and nm.news.

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