Deborah Jessmer Sharp

Deborah Lynn Jessmer Sharp, 64, passed away on December 31 at Yadkin Nursing Center in Yadkinville, NC. Debbie was born on February 14, 1956 in Newport News, VA to Ed Jessmer and Ann Snodgrass Jessmer. She spent her childhood in various parts of Ohio. After Ed and Ann divorced, Ann moved to North Carolina with Debbie and younger brother Joe to be with family. There, Ann met Billy Hardy who became step-father to both Debbie and Joe. Debbie started working at a young age, initially helping her mother in restaurants with tasks from washing dishes to waiting tables. She earned an associate’s degree from Western Carolina University in Political Science with an emphasis on juvenile law enforcement. After her time at the university she worked in law enforcement for a few years, primarily dealing with juveniles. In the early 1980s she moved to Myrtle Beach, SC where she worked in restaurants and entertainment venues. A consummate people person and ever ebullient, Debbie drew the attention of many in the entertainment industry as much for her personality as her beautiful singing voice. She soon began performing professionally with bands. She spent nearly 20 years performing up and down the East Coast, delighting audiences and brightening lives everywhere she went. During her time as a professional entertainer she met and later married Jim Sharp. They worked together and had a loving relationship for 35 years, settling in Yadkinville in 1996. Along the way they created TechGnome Productions and A/V Services based in Yadkinville, NC. Debbie was the owner, serving as President and Chief Accounting Officer. While operating TGP Debbie championed several causes including the Yadkin County Relay for Life, the Downtown Business Association of Yadkinville, and local M.A.D.D. campaigns. She also supported various community building activities including local festivals, Town of Yadkinville Christmas tree lightings, a 911 memorial event, movies in the park, band performances in the park, and the Cops Care program. As part of the DBA, she and her fast friend Brenda Brown were instrumental in organizing and executing the 4th of July celebrations for several years. In 2010 while serving as Vice President of the DBA, she received the NC Governor’s Award for Volunteer Services. She is survived by her Step Father Billy C. Hardy of East Bend, NC, brother Joseph E. Jessmer of Hickory NC, his sons Brandon and Joshua, and her former husband Jim Sharp of Austin, TX. She is preceded in death by her beloved mother Ann Hardy and her pup Sir Didimus. Due to ongoing pandemic concerns, there will be no memorial. Donations in honor of Debbie may be made to the Humane Society of the United States.