Sharon Moran
Sharon Moran, 80, of Salem, Virginia, passed away peacefully on September 2, 2026, her 80th birthday, with her daughter, Jessica, and granddaughter, Katie, lovingly by her side. Her life came full circle as she entered and left this world on the same day, exactly eighty years apart.
Sharon was truly one of a kind—a loving, vivacious, fun-loving woman whose presence could brighten any room. She was sunshine, sparkle, laughter, and “va-voom” all wrapped into one unforgettable person. To know Sharon was to know someone who lived and loved with her whole heart.
Sharon’s life was filled with remarkable experiences that reflected both her courage and her strength. During her years working at a bank, she survived the terrifying experience of being held at gunpoint and taken hostage—an ordeal that became part of the extraordinary story of her life. She later worked side by side with David, and the two were partners in every sense of the word, building a life together through fifty-one years of marriage. While David was the voice of Moran Broadcasting, Sharon was the steady force behind the scenes. She worked faithfully by his side, playing an essential role in the business and in the life they built together. Moran Broadcasting was truly a family endeavor, and Sharon’s support, hard work, and dedication were at the heart of it.
Although Sharon was a Salem girl at heart, she and David moved to Smith Mountain Lake in the 1990s and treasured the years they spent there together. Always confident and capable, Sharon could even captain and dock their 50-foot houseboat, the beloved Big Kahuna. Their years at the lake were filled with adventure, happiness, and wonderful memories.
She also loved to travel, always ready for a new destination, a new experience, and another memory to bring home. Whether at the lake or far from home, Sharon brought her unmistakable style, joyful spirit, and sense of adventure wherever she went.
Sharon was the ultimate flashy dresser. She could take an outfit that no one else would dare to wear and turn it into something that made everyone else wish they had worn it first. She had a style all her own, and she carried herself with confidence and spirit that could never be duplicated.
Sharon loved her family and friends fiercely and made certain they knew it. No visit or conversation ended without her saying, “I love you,” and no one ever left her without a kiss goodbye. She had a special way of making the people she loved feel important, welcomed, and treasured. Her family will forever miss her beautiful smile, her laughter, her unforgettable personality, and the light she brought into their lives.
Sharon carried her faith in her heart throughout her life. Although she had been baptized as an infant in the Lutheran Church, she later expressed a heartfelt desire to be baptized again as an adult. Those plans were put on hold following her diagnosis with Alzheimer’s disease, but her wish was never forgotten. In a beautiful and sacred moment during her final days, the hospice chaplain baptized Sharon, fulfilling her long-held wish just days before she went home to be with the Lord.
Sharon was preceded in death by her beloved husband of fifty-one years, David Moran, and her mother, Edith Mann. Left to cherish her memory are her son, Peter Moran; her daughter, Jessica McClung, and son-in-law, Tim McClung; and her beloved grandchildren, Jason Moran, Katie Grace, Emily, and Andrew McClung.
The family would like to offer a very special thank-you to the remarkable group of women lovingly known as “Mom’s A-Team.” You know who you are. These faithful friends continued visiting, loving, and showing up for Sharon even after she moved into memory care. Knowing that others were spending time with her, loving her, and making sure she was not alone brought her family immeasurable comfort. Your friendship and devotion will never be forgotten.
The family also extends its deepest gratitude to the devoted staff of the Joseph C. Thomas Center and the Sheila S. Strauss Hospice House at Good Samaritan Hospice for the exceptional kindness, dignity, and compassionate care they provided to Sharon. Thank you for caring for her, protecting her dignity, and becoming part of her extended family.
No formal services are planned at this time. Sharon’s family and friends are encouraged to honor her memory by remembering the love, laughter, and light she brought into their lives.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made in Sharon’s memory to Good Samaritan Hospice. Although our lives will never feel quite as bright without her, Sharon’s love, laughter, sparkle, and unmistakable “va-voom” will live on in every person who was fortunate enough to know her.
