It is with sadness that we announce the death of Sharon Kay McBee, who passed away from natural causes on Friday, January 16, 2026, at the age of 89.
Sharon was born at home, the first of two children to William (Willie) A. and Mable (Carter) Bowlin on October 21, 1936. Sharon and her brother Bill, Jr. grew up during the Depression and World War II. In her memory book she wrote, “I’m thankful for my devoted parents, that spent their time giving us what we needed to keep us together. We found joy in what they did for us. Money was hard to come by but, they always found ways to buy fireworks for 4th of July and special gifts at Christmas”.
Sharon grew up in St. Joseph and attended Lafayette High School. She loved to perform and during her time at Lafayette she was involved with the Marching Band as a Majorette, joined a girls club and performed in numerous school musicals and groups. In the evenings and weekends she would continue to teach dancing lessons. Sharon became the Homecoming queen in 1954 and met the man of her dreams, the 4-year varsity letterman Jack McBee. They graduated together and were married on July 2, 1955. They remained united until Jack's death in April of 2018. A total of 63 years together.
Sharon was a true entertainer, with a love for dance. She began taking lessons at the age of 6 in 1942. She progressed quickly and began teaching in her freshman year of high school. She would work out of her basement and travel to smaller towns around St. Joseph, renting space and giving lessons. One of life’s bigger thrills for her was purchasing her own car at the age of 16. She used it to travel to her out-of-town dance lessons. After her marriage in 1955 she opened “Sharon Kay’s Dance Studio”, her first permanent location at 110 N. 9th, across from the old Trail Theater.
Sharon’s desire was to become a professional dancer. With the unexpected birth of her son, she chose to remain a local instructor and build a loving home. Her days were filled with keeping the home, caring for her aging parents, preparing dance routines and then teaching until late into the night.
She was continually involved with Annual Recitals, performances at the Krug Park Bowl, County Fairs, Holiday events at the East Hills Mall and Missouri Theater. She loved costume design, preparing for the glare of stage lights, special costumes and local parades. She has taught everything from Ballet, Tap, Jazz to ballroom and even Disco.
Sharon mentioned in her written memories book, “What more could I want, seeing the lives of my children, three grandchildren and the final thrill, Great Grand Children bloom into adults, the love and joy we share. The Holidays, Celebrations, Graduations, I am privileged. Life has a purpose and sharing the excitement with family is the best”.
Mom and dad loved to head out on weekends for social gatherings with friends. Quite often to dance, showing off their dance skills perfected during their high school days together. Whether it was a family gathering, business event or group of friends, Sharon and Jack would light up a room and both will be missed.
Sharon was saved and baptized at an early age. She loved attending church and made Green Valley Baptist her home church for many years. Her morning began with Bible reading and was a faithful prayer warrior for her family and church family. That was a great blessing to witness the strength in her life from prayer.
My father taught me about the value of hard work, honesty and respect for other people. My mother provided life lessons on compassion, caring for others and the joy of celebrating life. Now, as a father and husband I realize how blessed my life has been as a result of the their love.
Sharon is preceded in death by her mother and father and only brother William Bowlin, Jr. and her husband Jack McBee, Sr. Family members who survive her are her son Jack L. McBee, Jr. and his wife Susan R. (Schoen) McBee; Grandchildren Scott McBee, Kristyl (McBee) Mayer and Brittney McBee; and 8 Great Grandchildren.
Farewell Services and Public Livestream 10:00 A.M. Tuesday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will gather with friends 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Monday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to a Dance Scholarship Fund to help students who need financial assistance at either Darcee’s School of Dance or the Dance Arts Center. Please send checks to Jack McBee, Jr., 3 Fieldcrest Lane, St. Joseph, MO 64506.
