Sharon Kay Rice, age 60, of Wilmington, NC passed away on Wednesday, August 31, 2022.

She was born on February 6, 1962, in Wilmington, NC to Bertha Permenter- McIntosh.

Sharon was a sweet angel daughter, the best sister and friend in the world. She was a beautiful and intelligent woman and always very curious about the world around her and never stopped learning.

Sharon was the co-owner of Horizons Modeling Agency located in Wilmington, NC. She held many modeling and beauty titles such as Miss Universal Beauty and Mrs. Stroh's USA. Sharon was also a finalist in the Miss Hawaiian Tropic International pageant. Sharon was featured several times on the cover of Grand Strand Guide, Life around Wilmington and Motor Boating & Sailing magazine. Sharon modeled professionally for Panama Jack, Belk, Pacific Trader and Sun Solutions suntan products as well as local fashion shows, among others and featured in several movies filmed in the Wilmington area.

In addition to her mother, Sharon is survived by her sisters, Margaret McGirt, Deborah Tracy, and husband, Butch, Charlene Ladner and husband, Mike, Valorie Stanley and husband, Tony; as well as a brother-in-law Woody Watkins, several nieces, nephews; and many other family and friends.

Sharon is preceded in death by her father as well as her sister, Sue Watkins.

Sharon was a bright light to many people and will be dearly missed.

A funeral service will be held at Quinn McGowen Funeral Home in Wilmington on Tuesday, September 6, 2022 at 6pm with Pastor Billy Cooper officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. The burial will take place at Greenlawn Memorial Park in Wilmington on Wednesday, September 7, 2022 at 11am.

Shared memories and condolences may be sent to the family by selecting Tribute Wall above.

Quinn McGowen Funeral Home – Wilmington

910-794-7171