Florene M. (Payne) Sharp, age 78, of Flora, IL passed away at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday, April 07, 2013 at the Flora Gardens Care Center in Flora.

Florene was born on March 19, 1935 in Central Illinois to Leslie and Martha Tackitt. She married John Payne in 1950 and he preceded her in death. She later married Raymond “Butch” Sharp on September 1, 1985 in Clay County, IL. During her life, Florene worked in nursing homes and factories. She worked at Flora Care Center for 22 years and also worked at Borg Warner in Dixon. She attended the Flora Assembly of God, was a good cook, and enjoyed crocheting, walking, painting, and sewing. Florene was a caring person and had a sweet personality.

She is survived by her husband: Raymond “Butch” Sharp of Flora; children: Les (Jackie) Payne of Rock Falls, Randy (Patty) Payne of Flora, Candy (Alan Wyatt) Payne of Flora, Dennis (Debbie) Sharp of Ingraham, Allen Sharp of Clay City, Benny Sharp of Clay City, Dylan Sharp of Flora; brothers and sisters: Velda Lambrich, Ida Mae Young, Charlotte Pride, Linda Pruitt, Luella Justice, Bill Young, Everett Young, Danny Young; 23 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren along with many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband (John Payne), son (John “Butch” Payne), daughter (Darby Sharp), and brother (Scott Young).

The funeral service for Florene Sharp will be held at 12 p.m. (noon) on Wednesday, April 10, 2013 at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora with Pastor Richard Artis officiating. Burial will be in Powers Cemetery, Xenia. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until noon on Wednesday at the funeral home. The family has requested that memorial donations be made to Clay County Hospice.