Obituaries
Sharon Nicholson (1957 – 2025)
Sharon Kaye Nicholson, 67, of Norfolk, was born on December 14, 1957, in Winchester, VA. She crossed her final finish line on June 21, 2025, surrounded by the peace of the Blue Ridge Mountains, a place as strong, wild, and full of life as she was.
Sharon Nicholson
She is survived by her daughter, Tristan Claire Nicholson Schuiteboer, brothers Tim (Tammy) Darr and Tony Darr, nieces Haylie Fent, Nicole Johnston, and Tricia Sager, nephews Trey Darr and Joe Nicholson, and many lifelong friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, James F. Darr and Marie N. Darr, her brother, Edward S. (Sonny) Nicholson III, and her nephew, Wade Nicholson.
Sharon lived life in forward motion, both literally and figuratively. She was a fierce and focused competitor in both team and individual athletic pursuits. One of her many honors was being inducted into the Sweeney Shiflett Athletic Hall of Fame last year alongside her 1976 Warren County High School softball team. In her earlier years, she participated in triathlons and became a relentless competitor and advocate for the local cycling community. Sharon was also extremely proud to have qualified and raced at the USA Cycling Nationals Age-Graded Criterium Championship and was the winner of the state of Virginia’s Best All Around (BAR) Series. She thrived on passion, grit, and drive. No matter the challenge, Sharon gave it her all and then some.
Off the course, she dedicated her professional life to shaping strong minds and bodies as a lifelong educator. Sharon earned degrees from Longwood University and the University of Virginia. She worked with Parks & Rec, coaching wheelchair athletics, and later with the Virginia Beach City Public School System, teaching adaptive physical education for students with disabilities. Perhaps most notably, she was a beloved PE teacher and coach at Landstown High School. Her students knew her as fun-loving, tireless, and tough in the best kind of way, the kind that makes you better.
Sharon retired in 2020 to pursue her other passions, including cycling, golf, Pilates, travel, and various forms of fun with her family and friends. Retirement allowed Sharon the opportunity to spend more time on the golf course, where she achieved the elusive “hole in one” that most golfers can only dream of. She also obtained her Pilates instructor certification because the rest of her activities simply weren’t enough.
Sharon’s greatest joy, however, was her daughter, Tristan. They traveled together, both near and far, including six national parks, an international excursion, and countless other adventures. They hiked, biked, kayaked, and even taught and took Pilates together at the local studio, PureCore. Sharon raised Tristan with love, care, intention, and a wealth of stories to last a lifetime.
Sharon’s life was one of motion, muscle, and meaning. She was one of a kind. She never knew a stranger or a tough nut she couldn’t crack, and she never turned her back on someone in need. She went above and beyond in everything she did; she was never short of exceptional. She never coasted; she pedaled hard, loved deeply, and taught by example. Her legacy is carved into finish lines, into classrooms, and into the hearts of everyone lucky enough to have kept pace with her.
In the end, Sharon was struck by a car and killed while doing what she loved, in a place she loved. Please remember to share the road and not drive while distracted. She believed movement is medicine, so get outside and move, explore nature, and dedicate time to serve others in her honor. All of us who were fortunate enough to know her will carry her with us for the rest of our lives. Ride on, Sharon!
To honor Sharon, please consider donating to the following charities:
The Elizabeth River Trail Foundation
Due to Sharon’s vast network of friends and family, there will be two celebrations of her life.
The first event will take place on July 19, 2025, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Front Royal Golf Club, located at 902 Country Club Road, Front Royal, VA. After the Celebration of Life, there will be food and fellowship.
The second will be on July 25, 2025, from 1:00 to 3:30 p.m. at Salem High School in the auditorium located at 1993 SunDevil Dr., Virginia Beach, VA (please take the 2nd right to travel around the right side of the building to the back parking lot). Following the celebration, refreshments will be served and there will be time for visiting.
Sharon has been described as vibrant, witty, and a servant to others. We encourage you to wear clothing or colors that represent your connection to Sharon (e.g., bike jerseys, golf attire, Landstown blue). Let’s celebrate this legend of a lady in a way she would truly appreciate.