Sharon Stepp

Sharon Stepp, beloved daughter, sister, mother, aunt, and friend, passed away on August 14, 2025, at the age of 87. Born to Harold Wilkins and Margaret Wilkins (Née, Ochs). Sharon grew up alongside her younger brother, Robert Wilkins, with whom she shared a lifetime of memories. After graduating from high school, her determination and ambition led her to alter her birth certificate so she could qualify for a more senior position, an early sign of her drive to succeed. She began her career at Packard Automotive, later joined American Motors, and eventually built a distinguished 25-year career at Ford Motor Company, retiring as a Public Relations Executive. While at Ford, Sharon returned to school, earning her bachelor’s degree in computer science from Madonna University. She made her mark on the company by developing an innovative “Lease Program” before car leasing was common practice, providing vehicles to mayors and governors across the country. The program’s success prompted Ford to extend an offer for Sharon to relocate to Washington, D.C., to pilot it with officials in the United States House of Representatives and Senate. Instead, Sharon chose to retire early to care for her ailing mother, reflecting her deep commitment to family. Sharon’s life was rich with adventure, culture, and personal passions. She loved horseback riding, gardening, and traveling the world, visiting six continents and catching a glimpse of Antarctica from Melbourne, Australia. She enjoyed musicals, classical music, tennis, baseball, golf, reading, and entertaining, and had an appreciation for a perfectly cooked steak. Each year, she looked forward to vacationing in Vanderbilt Beach, Florida, reconnecting with old friends and family. Above all, she adored her daughter, Janai Stepp, who was her greatest joy and crowning achievement. She was predeceased by her husband, John Stepp, with whom she shared four wonderful years of marriage, and by her late brother, Robert Wilkins. Sharon is survived by her daughter, Janai Stepp; her sister-in-law, Charlotte/Aunt Millie; her nephew, Jamie Wilkins (married to Renee); her niece, Sheryl Shenefelt (married to Bob); and her great-nieces and great-nephews, Grace Greene (married to Joel), Nick Shenefelt, and Lauren Wilkins. Sharon will be remembered for her pioneering spirit, love for family, adventurous heart, and the warmth she shared with all who knew her. Visitation Sunday August 17, 2025 2 PM to 8 PM and Monday August 18, 2025 10 AM to 11 AM at Vermeulen-Sajewski Funeral Home, 46401 Ann Arbor Rd. W, (btwn Sheldon & Beck) Plymouth. Funeral Service Monday August 18, 2025 11 AM also at Vermeulen-Sajewski Funeral Home, 46401 Ann Arbor Rd. W, (btwn Sheldon & Beck) Plymouth. To share a memory, please use the Share a Memory tab on this web page.

Sharon Stepp

December 29, 1937 - August 14, 2025