Sharen Ann Kirksey was born in Dayton, Texas, to Sara Depuy Kirksey and Turner Kirksey on September 3rd, 1952, on her only sibling's 6th birthday. She joined her parents and her brother again on December 20th, 2023.
Sharen graduated from Dayton High School and The University of Texas at Austin, where she was a
member of the Alpha Phi Sorority. She also graduated from Parsons School of Design in New York City.
She graduated from both schools with degrees in Interior Design and was a Registered Interior Designer
with the State of Texas.
Sharen worked for Ethan Allen for many years and was one of the first 12 inducted into the Ethan Allen
Circle of Excellence and among the first 10 inducted into the Ethan Allen Circle of Excellence Hall of
Fame. She then started her own firm, Designs by Sharen, and with Leonard's help, kept up a very successful design practice working commercial and residential design throughout the country.
She was an amazing daughter, wife, second mother, puppy mom, and an absolute loyal friend to so
many. She was a faithful member of Westgate Church of Christ, a member of The Rotary Club of
Beaumont, and a Board member for Lamar University's Friends of the Arts. She was also a devoted member of The Junior League of Beaumont and recognized as the 2007 Sustainer of the Year for being an avid advisor to several committees.
Sharen and Leonard loved to travel and entertain, and she was legendary for packing everything in one carry-on bag. She and Leonard worked very hard and were very Blessed. Sharen never met a stranger,
always put everyone else before herself, dedicated herself to helping anyone in need, and truly believed one of her favorite sayings, "the giver always gets the best gift."
Sharen was preceded in death by her loving mother and father, Sara and Turner Kirksey, her grandmother, Georgia, and her brother, Larry "Butch" Kirksey.
She is survived by her loving husband, Leonard Juncker, children Jill Juncker and Brian Juncker, daughter-
in-law, Tracy Fadden, granddaughter, Stella, beloved aunt, Betty Depuy, cousins Joel, Melvin, Dwayne and
Renae Depuy, cousin, Michelle Copeland, and a host of very special friends, including lifelong friends Lois Ann Stanton, and David and Connie Arnold
Memorial Gifts may be directed to : Family Services of Southeast Texas, 3550 Fannin St., Beaumont, TX.
77701, The Humane Society of Southeast Texas, PO Box 1629, Beaumont, TX 77705, or the charity of
your choice.
We will celebrate Sharen Friday, January 12th from 5:00pm-7:00pm with a memorial visitation at Claybar Kelly-Watkins funeral home, Beaumont. A graveside internment Saturday, January 13th at 3:00pm at
Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Beaumont. A reception to follow from 4:00pm to 6:00pm at The Laurels. 1315 Calder Ave. in Beaumont.