Sharon Morrison-Thomsen-Avram of West Branch, Michigan, went home
to be with her Lord on February 14, 2026, at the age of 73, following a nine-year journey with
Alzheimer’s disease. She passed peacefully in hospice care, surrounded by her four children.
Sharon was born March 4, 1952, in Austin, Minnesota, to Mitchell & Maxine Morrison. From an
early age, her life reflected a curious and seeking faith that blossomed after meeting her future
husband, Ronald Thomsen, when together they came to saving faith at First Baptist in Austin. Sharon
was known for her joyful, fun-loving, and adventurous spirit, and was often the first to step in and
help behind the scenes wherever there was a need.
Faithfully serving as the beloved wife of Ron Thomsen and devoted mother to their four children,
together, Sharon & Ron answered God’s call to missionary service in Micronesia, ministering to the
people of Koror, Palau, and Guam. While on Guam, they planted Lighthouse Baptist Church in Santa
Rita and worked together to help establish Harvest Baptist Bible Institute, a Bible college that continues
to train and serve hundreds of students today. During those years of ministry, Sharon also taught
kindergarten at Harvest Christian Academy, faithfully investing in the lives of her young students.
Even after Ron’s Homegoing in 1992, the fruit of their shared ministry has continued to grow.
In God’s gracious providence, Sharon later met and married Reed Avram in December 1995 at
North Mount Zion Church in Continental, Ohio. Together they served faithfully at Calvary Baptist
Church in West Branch, Michigan. Sharon devoted nearly 40 years to Christian education, shaping
young lives with patience, wisdom, and Christ-centered love. She taught kindergarten for many years
at Ogemaw Christian School, where her gentle spirit and steady encouragement left a lasting
impression on countless students and families.
In cooperation with fellow members of Calvary Baptist Church, Sharon co-founded Calvary
Christian Academy, further extending her lifelong commitment to Christian education. She continued
teaching full-time while faithfully serving as a friend, encourager, and quiet helper to many until her
retirement in March 2020.
Those who knew Sharon remember her tender heart, steadfast faith, and unwavering desire to point
others to Christ. As Henry Adams wisely wrote, “A teacher affects eternity; she can never tell where
her influence stops.” Sharon’s life beautifully reflected that truth. Though Alzheimer’s gradually took
much from her in recent years, it never diminished the eternal hope she carried or the enduring legacy of
her life’s ministry.
Sharon was preceded in death by her parents, Mitchell & Maxine Morrison; her brothers, Michael
Morrison and John Morrison; and her husbands, Ronald Thomsen, her husband of 20 years, and Reed
Avram, her husband of 20 years. She is survived by her siblings: Mitch Morrison, Janice Morrison, and
Michelle Morrison-Arjes; and by her children: Tracie (& Jon) Becker, Heidi (& Brock) Shafer,
William(& Sara) Thomsen, and David (& Carey) Thomsen; and by her twelve beloved grandchildren:
Taylor Becker, Caedmon Becker, Thymian Becker-Mulero, Tatiana Becker, Emma Kate Shafer, Christian
Shafer, Brooklyn Shafer, Brady Thomsen, Brynn Thomsen, Brystol Thomsen, Aidan Thomsen, and
Avry Thomsen.
A memorial service to honor her life and her Lord will be held Saturday, March 21, 2026, at 11:00
a.m. at Calvary Baptist Church in West Branch, Michigan. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that
donations be made to the Sharon Avram Scholarship Fund at Calvary Christian School.
Calvary Christian Academy
Att: Sharon Avram Scholarship Fund
231 Minzer Court, West Branch, Michigan 48661
