Sharon Jackson Barton

October 11, 1949 – April 17, 2026

Sharon Jackson Barton, a dedicated educator, pioneering nurse researcher, and beloved mother, passed away on April 17, 2026, from complications due to Alzheimer’s.

Sharon was the heart of a vibrant family. She is survived by her devoted husband, James Derek Barton, and was a proud mother to four children: Clark Michael Jackson (Nicole Bernardi-Reis), Matthew Holt Jackson, Nora Jane Barton (Matthew Wilsey Shelton), and Ryland Derek Barton; two grandchildren, Frank James Jackson and Thomas Holt Jackson; and one dog, Gus.

She is preceded in death by her sister, Karen Estelle Holt, who passed away on October 27, 2009, at the age of 54.

Those lucky enough to know her saw Sharon as an inspiration and were amazed by how much she could accomplish and love. She fostered communities, volunteered, and stayed in touch with a small army of friends and colleagues. She relished nature, nurturing gardens and animals. Throughout her life, she sought out new experiences: unlocking new recipes, developing a passion for classical music as a young adult, learning to kayak in her middle years, and in retirement, earning her master gardening certificate and learning the Japanese textile art of Saori weaving.

The most successful and longest career Sharon had was as a mother. From the beginning, she showed her children the values of hard work, honesty, and continued learning.

Whether driving to the hospital for asthma attacks and injuries or nurturing through disappointment, she was a natural in getting all the kids well—at least well enough not to miss school.

She somehow had enough time to juggle her career and nurture the interests of all of the children. She played catch in the living room, encouraged music lessons, and shared her creativity.

Her children are the smartest, most compassionate, thoughtful, and kindest people you will meet, and it is because of Sharon and Jim.

A beautiful life and distinguished career

Sharon Elizabeth Holt was born on October 11, 1949, in Memphis, Tennessee, to Jewell and Christine Holt. She moved with her family to Paducah, Kentucky, as a child, and then in her teenage years they moved to Champaign, Illinois, where Sharon graduated from Champaign Central High School in 1967. She went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Sociology and Social Work from the University of Illinois in 1972.

Sharon later moved to the northern suburbs of Chicago, graduating as a registered nurse from the Evanston School of Nursing and beginning a career that would span decades and touch countless lives.

Sharon’s clinical journey began at Children’s Memorial Hospital in Chicago. Following a brief period at Shriners Children’s Hospital, she returned to Children’s Memorial (now known as Lurie Children’s Hospital), where she dove deeper into her passion for pediatric care.

She earned a Master of Science in Parent-Child Nursing from Rush University and ultimately a PhD from Loyola University Chicago.

In 1993, she joined the faculty as an Associate Professor at the University of Kentucky. She mentored numerous students, achieved tenure, and served as a Nurse Researcher for University of Kentucky Children’s Hospital. Her work focused on pediatric nursing and included research into infant feeding and family-centered care during suspected abuse or neglect. Sharon is the author of numerous professional publications and was a sought-out presenter for professional meetings and conferences.

In 2007, Sharon was recruited to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) as Assistant Vice President of Nursing Research to launch the Center for Nursing Research & Evidence Based Practice, Education, and Outcomes. Through Sharon’s vision and leadership, innumerable clinical nurses received the support necessary to make significant contributions to pediatric nursing science.

On behalf of CHOP, Sharon served as the interpreter of pediatric excellence and standards of care for developing children’s hospitals in the Middle East and China.

Sharon and Jim retired to their family home in Gilbertsville, Kentucky, in 2015. Even in retirement, Sharon extended her lifelong commitment to the mentorship of young nurses through her role as adjunct faculty at the University of Louisville for nursing graduate students.

A celebration of life will be held May 16, 2026 at the Peterson-Dumesnil House in
Louisville, Kentucky. Donations in Sharon’s memory may be made to the Humane
Society of Marshall County, Hosparus Health Louisville or the University of Tennessee
Institute for Public Service.