Alicia “Genie” Sharp was born in Chattanooga, Tenn., the daughter of Alicia Ware and Eugene Niles Shrader.

She was descended from many notable families of the colonial era and founders of the United States, including two signers of the Declaration of Independence, U.S. senators and congressmen.

After a lengthy illness, she died peacefully at home surrounded by her family.

She is survived by her husband of 47 years, Harry Carter Sharp; daughter, Katie Sharp Nettles (Bubba); son, David Carter Sharp (Keriann); and four grandchildren, Lydia Nettles, Lee Nettles, Carter Sharp and Charlie Sharp. She is also survived by her beloved brother, David Mitchell Shrader (Cindy); nieces, Sarah Shrader Pierce and Carolyn Shrader Paganis; nephew, Michael David Shrader; and several cousins.

Her family moved 17 times during the first 12 years of her childhood due to her father’s career with State Farm Insurance.

The many moves to several states contributed to her outgoing personality and love of people. In 1959, her family moved to Gulfport, which she would later call home.

She never met a stranger and was voted “Most Friendly” her senior year at Gulfport High School.

She was an avid sailor and was named the girls’ champion sailor and a skipper at the Gulfport Yacht Club.

She attended The University of Mississippi, where she met Harry and graduated in 1969 with a degree in education.

She first taught at Main St. Elementary in Yazoo City and later moved to Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. For several years, she taught at Attucks Junior High in Hollywood, Fla.

She then attended Northeast Louisiana University and earned a master’s degree in 1977.

Immediately upon graduation, Alicia and Harry were married in Monroe on May 21, 1977.

She moved to Harry’s hometown, Coconut Grove, Fla., and continued her teaching career at her in-law’s alma mater, Miami Senior High School.

She owned and operated the Gift House and Alicia’s Better Clothing in South Miami and Vicksburg. In 2012, she opened You Choose Consignment in Vicksburg.

In 1985, Alicia and Harry bought the Salvation Army headquarters in Vicksburg and transformed the mansion back to her glory days as The Duff Green Mansion, Bed and Breakfast.

They restored several other historic buildings and received numerous awards both locally and within the state for their efforts in restoration. In 1986, they made Vicksburg their permanent home.

Alicia went back to teaching when asked to help students obtain their GED at We Care program affiliated with the University of Mississippi.

She later began teaching and counseling at Vicksburg High School, Warrenton Elementary and Vicksburg Intermediate, before retiring in 2012.

She dearly loved all her students and counseled many who became successful in their respective careers.

She was a lifelong devoted Christian and a communicant of the Church of the Holy Trinity, Episcopal.

Alicia was very active in many civic and social organizations.

She was a Gulf Coast debutante, CAR, Daughter of the American Revolution, UDC, PEO, charter president of the Coconut Grove Jayceettes, Junior League of Miami and Jackson.

She was the founding president of The Warren County Republican Women’s Club, Chamber of Commerce Board, Main Street Board and numerous other organizations.

Visitation will be from 9 until 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, August 14, at Glenwood Funeral Home followed by the funeral service. Interment will follow in Greenlawn Gardens Cemetery.

Pallbearers are Bubba Nettles, Michael David Shrader, William Campbell, MD, Lane Campbell, Esq., Matthew Campbell and Jay Hobson.

Honorary pallbearers are Mack and Penny Varner, Carole Campbell, Ann Grogan, David Blackledge, Karen Gamble, Woo Sheely, Harley Caldwell, Tommy McLeod, Keith Matthews and the ladies of You Choose and the Golden Girls of Duff Green Luncheon Club.

Special thanks to Shannon Hamlin and all of the doctors, nurses and staff who assisted in her care.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Paws Rescue P.O. Box 13, Redwood MS 39156; Friends of Vicksburg Animal Shelter P.O. Box 820204, Vicksburg, MS 39182; Warren County Humane Society 6600 HWY 61 South Vicksburg, MS 30180; or charity of choice.