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Sharon Raines, loving mother, sister and aunt, passed away at her home at the age of 73 on Thursday, November 24, 2022. Sharon was born September 23, 1949 in San Francisco, California to Randall and Lovie (Kirkpatrick) Raines. The family moved to Fresno when she was a toddler, where she spent the rest of her life as a proud Fresno resident. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Anthropology with a minor in German Literature from Lindfield College in McMinnville, Oregon, and her Master’s Degree in Education from UC Riverside. Sharon worked as a substitute teacher before starting her 25-year career with the US Postal Service, culminating in her final position as Postmaster. As she retired early, Sharon chose to go back to work at Table Mountain Casino until she fully retired. Sharon traveled extensively throughout her life to Sweden, Norway, France, Italy, Senegal West Africa, Mexico, the Caribbean and Canada and lived briefly in Germany. She also traveled extensively throughout the U.S., and spent summers as a young child with her brother William and extended relatives in North Carolina. In 1987, Sharon fulfilled her dream of becoming a parent when she adopted her only child, Saundra. Sharon had a boundless love for her daughter who brought her tremendous joy. She also had a very close bond with her only brother William, of whom she was tremendously proud. Sharon had a passion for reading from an early age, with a personal library of over 1,000 books. She also loved watching international documentaries and all genres of movies, especially Korean movies and K- dramas—a passion she shared with work friends. She loved listening to world music, especially reggae, soca and calypso, and Cuban music, and going to concerts with her family and close friends. Sharon regularly donated to Meharry College, The Marjorie Mason Center and Toys for Tots, and volunteered her time with various elementary schools throughout Fresno. She was known for her quick wit, sarcasm, intelligence, love of culture, independence, warm smile and compassionate nature. Sharon is survived by her daughter, Saundra Raines; brother William (Victoria) Raines and their sons Spencer and Malcolm; and extended relatives. She was preceded in death by her parents; step-father Clyde Kirkpatrick; and step-mother Emma Raines. Remembrances in her honor may be made to: The American Cancer Society The Marjorie Mason Center

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Sharon Raines

September 23, 1949 - November 24, 2022