Sharon (Shay) Ann Morgan, 84, long-time resident of Silver City passed away Monday, May 13, 2024.

Sharon was born July 18, 1939, to Vera M. (John) and William L. Morgan in Raton, NM. Sharon graduated from Clayton High School in 1957 and went on to graduate from Western New Mexico University with a degree in Education. She also claimed the title of Miss Hurley in the Miss New Mexico Beauty Pageant in 1958.

Sharon spent her life as an educator: a teacher at Silver City Consolidated Schools and Animas Public School. Later, she was employed at Phelps Dodge in the Assay Lab. Above all, Sharon was a lover of nature and animals. She was a fierce advocate for the reintroduction of the Mexican Gray Wolf in Grant County and an active supporter of the Defenders of Wildlife in New Mexico. She enjoyed exploring local trails with her dogs, and rescuing cats.

Sharon is mourned by her three daughters: Kim (Marty) Hyman, Jill Coppedge and Lisa Coppedge. She is known as "Grammy Shay" to 6 grandchildren: Lauren (Mark) Tetrick, Ian (Jen) Hyman, David (Ally) Hyman, Christopher Coppedge, Liam (Sky Lily) Maguire and Kassandra Shryock; and 13 great-grandchildren: Henry, William, Fiona, Hailey, Kelsey, Macey, Marshall, Archer, June, Madilyn, Piper, Hazel and Saoirse. She is survived by cousins John (Cyd) Mahl and Janet (Mahl) Walker.

Arrangements have been made by the Cremation Society of New Mexico. A private celebration of her life will be held at a later date.

To honor her memory, donations may be made to the Defenders of Wildlife at www.support.defenders.org  or to your local Pet Shelter.