Sharon Lee Howard Matzke, 78, of Franklin, TX passed away peacefully the evening of June 15, 2026 leaving behind a legacy of love, kindness, and countless cherished memories. The family will receive visitors from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 27, 2026 at Trevino-Smith Funeral Home in Bryan, TX with funeral services immediately following. A private burial will be held later that afternoon in Houston.

Sharon was born in Houston, TX on Mother’s Day, May 9, 1948 to Kenneth and Marie Howard. Throughout her teenage years she worked alongside her family at the Dairy Mart in Cypress, TX, a popular hangout. She graduated from Cy-Fair High School in 1966 where she was a proud member of the Bobcat Brigade drill team. Following graduation, she attended business school. She married the love of her life, Ernst Matzke on June 30, 1978, and together they built a life filled with unconditional love and treasured memories with their 4 children.

Sharon was a gentle and kind woman with a generous heart and a deep appreciation for the simple joys in life. She adored every moment spent surrounded by family, friends, and her animals. Her home was often filled with laughter, country music, the comforting aromas of her wonderful cooking, and the warmth she so effortlessly shared with everyone who walked through her door.

Sharon had a passion for raising rabbits, a hobby that highlighted her patient and nurturing spirit. Her commitment shone through her many years of service as a proud volunteer with the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Rabbit Committee. Through her service, she contributed to a beloved tradition and built lasting, lifelong friendships.

Following her retirement from the City of Bryan Human Resources Department in 2014, she dedicated her time to life’s blessings. She embraced every moment spent with family, traveling, gardening, and caring for the animals she loved so dearly: hummingbirds, donkeys, chickens, and her rescue dog, ShyAnn. 

She will be remembered for her generous and loving heart, her unwavering devotion to her family, her delicious meals, and the way she made everyone feel welcomed and cared for. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know and love her. 

She is preceded in death by her parents, Kenneth Wayne Howard and Ona Marie Kelley Wilson; stepparents Dorothy Howard and Franklin Earl Wilson; sisters, Linda Marie Baskin and Glenna Klueh; brother, Gary Wilson 

She is survived by her husband of nearly 48 years, Ernst Matzke; her oldest son, Lance Matzke (Danielle) of Colorado Springs, CO; her oldest daughter, Stephanie Koch (Scotty) of Brenham, TX; her youngest son, Bret Matzke (Becky) of Eagle Mountain, UT; her youngest daughter, Melissa Matzke (Scott) of College Station, TX; her grandchildren Kyle Matzke, Justin Matzke, Lauren Ness, Cassidy Ness, Emily Ness, Tristan McCurley, Nicholas McCurley, Megan Pellerin (Shawn), Hannah Matzke, Morgan Matzke, Katie Matzke, Christian Pratt, and Carsyn Pratt; her great-grandchildren Tatum Pellerin, Levvy Pellerin, and Keely Pellerin; her sister, Marilyn Frank; her brothers, Frank Wilson and Richard Howard; and her numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who became family.