Sharon Kay Bakker

Sharon Kay Bakker, age 83, of Knoxville, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on July 23, 2026. She was born on January 28, 1943, in Alton, Iowa, to Emmett and Dorothy (Starkenburg) Root.

Sharon was known for her kindness, generous spirit, unwavering faith in the Lord, and endless love for her family. She touched the lives of everyone who knew her with her warm heart, gentle nature, and servant's spirit. She was also a devoted member of Salem Baptist Church, where she found great joy in singing in the church choir. She also enjoyed crocheting, playing board games with her grandchildren, and spending precious time with her devoted husband.

Earlier in her career, Sharon worked as an insurance adjuster. In retirement, she enjoyed a full and happy life with her beloved husband, cherishing time with family and creating lasting memories with those she loved most.

Above all, Sharon was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her love, guidance, and faith will continue to inspire her family for generations to come.

She is survived by her loving husband of 65 years, Arvin Bakker; her children, Gene Bakker and wife Pam, Daniel Bakker and wife Ginger, Mark Bakker, and Susan Taggart; her grandchildren, Alycia Goad and husband Dustin (Haydin and Konnor), Courtney Jackson and husband Darien (Kai and Khalil), Adam Bakker and wife Jessica, Jared Bakker and wife Naomi, Matthew Bakker and wife Tori (Tyson and Tate), Allison Bakker (Mason), Samantha Taggart, Kaitlyn Taggart, Tiffany Thompson and husband Austin, Destiny Taggart, and Noah Baumann; and her brother, James Root and wife Pam.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Emmett Root and Dorothy Root (Starkenburg), her sister Carrie Root, and her grandson, Christopher Bakker.

A memorial service celebrating Sharon's life will be held on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at Salem Baptist Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 5:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.

Though Sharon is no longer with us, her love, wisdom, steadfast faith, and the countless memories she created will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know and love her. Her legacy of kindness, generosity, and devotion to God and family will never be forgotten.