Funeral services for Pastor Sharon Easterling were conducted at 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 20, 2024, at Sonshine Square Church in Carson with interment following in the Carson Cemetery. 

Bro. Robby Hathorn officiated, and Bro. Randy Easterling offered the eulogy for his beloved wife. 

Mrs. Easterling, age 77, entered into the eternal rest of her Lord Monday morning, March 18, 2024, at Forrest General Hospital.

Saulters Moore Funeral Home was entrusted with arrangements.

The family received friends Tuesday evening, March 19, 2024, from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Saulters Moore Funeral Home.  Visitation was also held two hours prior to the funeral service Wednesday, beginning at noon until 2 p.m., at Sonshine Square Church.

Serving as pallbearers were Brannon Miller, David McPhail, Neal Walker, Chris Walker, Josh Broome and Kerry Easterling.  Honorary pallbearers included Preston Williams, Brian McPhail, Greg McPhail and Jim Mann.

Born on Jan. 3, 1947, in Jefferson Davis County, Sharon was the daughter of Byron and Nelda Branton McPhail.

She attended school at Carson and Prentiss and afterward, completed cosmetology school in Jackson. 

Her career as a hairdresser spanned nearly three decades, during which time she garnered a reputation that extended well beyond her local community. Clients would travel from far and wide, even from adjacent counties, to have her style their hair.

Pastor Sharon, as she was affectionately known, was a tremendous woman with an unwavering faith in the Lord, a fierce dedication to spreading the Gospel, and she possessed a remarkable gift as a gospel ventriloquist and puppeteer.

Beyond her successful career in cosmetology, Pastor Sharon was a beacon of light in her community.

As a pastor, she devoted herself to soul-winning and evangelizing the lost.

Her passion for teaching the Word of God was evident in everything she did. She poured her heart into ministering to others and spreading love and kindness wherever she went.

One of her lesser-known talents was race car driving. In her youth, she fearlessly took the wheel of her brother’s race car, even claiming victory in the “Powder Puff” race at Carson Speed Way.

Her adventurous spirit and zest for life left an indelible mark on all who knew her.

In her earlier years, she travelled with various local Baptist Churches on mission trips conducting Vacation Bible Schools and brought joy and hope to countless individuals.

Among Pastor Sharon’s proudest accomplishments was the privilege of serving as Pastor of Sonshine Square Church in Carson for many years.

Her family relates that through her obedience to the Lord, she began to hold prayer meetings which evolved into a study of the Book of Revelation in which the Spirit of God was poured out upon hungry souls. It was through her life and passion for God that the Sonshine Square Church was birthed.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Easterling is preceded in death by her first husband, Philip Miller, her brother, Billy McPhail and her sister-in-law, Nita McPhail.

Her memory will forever be cherished by her husband, Randy Easterling; her daughter, Phyllis Mann (Preston) of Carson; her son, Randy Miller of Prentiss; daughter-in-love, Pam Miller Martin of Brandon; son-in-love, Jim Mann of Hattiesburg; brothers, Harlos McPhail, Donald McPhail and her sister, Carolyn Bryant, all of Prentiss. She is also survived by several foster children that she lovingly took into her care over the years as well as several nieces and nephews.  The legacy of their Mamaw will also live on through her grandchildren, Michael Cody Sullivan, Brannon (Lauren) Miller, Randa (Josh) Miller Broome, Shelby Miller and her great-granddaughter, Ona Kathleen Broome.

Online condolences and a guest registry are available at www.saultersmoorefuneralhome.com.