Sharon Sue Benton Whitehill

Sharon Whitehill, age 67 of Nixa died October 4, 2023.  She was born January 31, 1956 in Des Moines, Iowa, the daughter of Merle Edward and Edith Alice (Colegrove) Benton.

Sharon's career was marked by numerous accomplishments and contributions to the betterment of the community. She moved to Nixa in 1985. Sharon began community outreach in Nixa when she was hired as Nixa McDonalds Public Relations Manager when it opened in 1986 until 1988. She is past PTA President and member with Nixa School District.

From 1994 to 1997, Sharon served as mayor of the City of Nixa, displaying strong leadership skills and a genuine passion for making positive changes. Some of Sharon's accomplishments while serving as mayor include Nixa's First National Night Out, "Imagine Nixa" plan, expanded neighborhood watch groups, and the Nixa Municipal Complex in 1994.

Sharon served as board member of the Public Building Corporation, Community Foundation Legacy Society Member, Nixa Legacy Society member, 2003 Springfield Business Journal Most Influential Women, and was featured in June 2023 "Faces of Nixa".

In 2002, she took on the role of President/CEO at the Nixa Area Chamber of Commerce, furthering economic growth and fostering a thriving business environment by creating and promoting the branding of the chamber and community using the "X" which is now incorporated in numerous community logos including the City of Nixa. Sharon created NIXPO, a showcase for area businesses to promote local shopping. She was the feature speaker at the 2006 Chamber of Commerce Executives of Missouri Conference. Sharon was an executive committee member of the 2013 Christian County Economic Development Strategic Plan. She was 2008 Nixa Citizen of the Year, and quoted, "I made a vow many years ago that I would do things because I feel in my heart the things that I'm involved in will have a positive effect on my family. Now I consider Nixa my family." Sharon was the 2019 award recipient and name sake of the Sharon Whitehill Lifetime Achievement Award from the Nixa Chamber of Commerce.

Sharon served on the Nixa Board of Adjustment from 2021-2023, Nixa Fire Protection District Women's Auxiliary when it was active in the late 80's and early 90's, Christain County Optimist Club, Vice Chairman of Nixa Home Rule Commission, Least of These Advisory Board from 2003-2016, Chamber of Commerce Executives of Missouri, Nixa Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association, was recognized for community service from Modern Woodmen, nominated in 2008 for recognition in the business and innovation category of Missouri First Lady Melanie Blunt's inaugural First Lady Awards, 2009 GOLD Class III (Great Ozarks Leadership Development) graduate, board member and former president of the Nixa Community Foundation from 2002-2023 and Christian County Ambulance Board, secretary.

Sharon is survived by:  her sons, Jeremy Whitehill and wife Tammy and Jacob Whitehill of Nixa; a daughter, Mistina Duffy and husband Rance of Nixa; grandchildren, Chelsea Preston, Dallas Whitehill (Brittany), Alex Duffy, Shane Whitehill, Dex Duffy, Garrett Duffy, Colby Whitehill, Austin Whitehill and Truman Duffy; great grandchildren, Emma Grace Hodges, Brody Hodges and Emma Vada Whitehill; and her siblings, Sheila Pyle, Sandy Jones, Stu Benton and Lisa Benton.  

Sharon was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Shane Whitehill; and a brother Steve Benton.

Sharon's impact on the lives of those she loved was immeasurable. From her bright smile that brought warmth to any room to the endless love she poured into her family, she will forever be remembered as a beacon of happiness and kindness.

To honor Sharon's life, a visitation will take place on Friday, October 13, 2023, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Adams Funeral Home in Nixa. The following day on Saturday, October 14, 2023, a funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM at Adams Funeral Home, Nixa, officiated by Pastor Gary Swearengin.

Here is the livestream link for Sharon's service - Livestream Link 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to one of Sharon’s favorite charities at Community Foundation of the Ozarks: