Sharon Aileen Belcher Rakes, of Chapmanville, West Virginia, passed away on March 9, 2026, at the age of 72, after a long courageous battle with cancer. Sharon was born on January 1, 1954, in Huntington, West Virginia, to Dorothy Privett Belcher Smith and Lee Belcher, Jr.

Sharon was married to Paul Rakes for 48 years and raised three children, Amy Gail Rakes Teasley of Athens, Ohio, Jamie Paul Rakes (Elle Rakes) of Taylor Mill, Kentucky, and Joshua Lee Rakes (Kimberly Rakes) of Chapmanville WV. 

Sharon was preceded in death by her mother, Dorothy; father, Lee; step-father, Chuck Smith; sister, Sandra Jean Belcher Adams; brothers, Dickie Lee Belcher and Toney Curtis Belcher; and nephews, Curtis Blaine Belcher and Larry David “Bo” Belcher. 

Sharon is survived by her husband Paul; daughter; Amy; sons, Jamie and Joshua; "third son" Willis Wesley Stollings; stepdaughter, Amy Jo Vance; and grandchildren, Laikyn Reese Teasley, Rory Jameson Rakes, Caleb Scott Evans, Logan Akers, and Hali Akers Shultz (Maxwell Shultz), along with many others she considered family and special friends.

Sharon enjoyed crafting, visiting friends, and spending time with her family. She loved her hummingbirds, flower garden, and special friend Jane Doe. Sharon's kindness and loving nature will endure through her husband, children, grandchildren and those who spent time with her. 

Sharon requested to not have any formal services. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Dignity Hospice Care in Chapmanville in her name. She was very thankful for the care Dignity had provided for her and for other family members.

Burial to be at Privett Cemetery on Airport Road in Chapmanville, WV.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Evans Funeral Home & Cremation Services at Chapmanville, WV.