Sharon Jane (Barnum) Kemp

Sharon Jane Kemp, 71, of  Houghton Lake passed away on Friday May 19, 2023 at her home, surrounded by her loving family.

Sharon was born on June 23, 1951 in Lansing, Michigan to Robert and Joyce  (Parke) Barnum. Sharon graduated from Houghton Lake High School in 1969 and then attended Kirkland Community College. After finishing her time in college, Sharon worked at the Houghton Lake Resorter, where she worked with her future husband, Tim Kemp. Both of them being life long Houghton Lake residents, Sharon and Tim were married on September 25, 1982 in Houghton Lake. In 1989, Sharon left the Resorter and pursued their joint adventure of owning a business, Tim followed shortly after in 1996. They bought a bar in Houghton Lake Heights, renaming it Mr. Tim's, now JD's Old Town Tavern. They owned and operated Mr. Tim's until their retirement in 2003. Sharon enjoyed golfing and fishing. She had a strong love for all animals, and especially her family. While Sharon never had children of her own, she loved and supported Tim's two sons, Todd and Mark as if they were her own. 

Surviving Sharon Kemp are her loving Husband of 40 years, Forrest "Tim" Kemp of Houghton Lake Heights; Siblings, Scott (Karen) Barnum, Richard (Jeannie) Barnum, and Robert "Bob" (Gail) Barnum; and her Step Sons, Todd (Heather) Kemp, and Mark (Vicki) Kemp. 

Sharon was preceded in death by her Parents, Robert and Joyce Barnum; and her Brothers, Gary and Christopher Barnum. 

A memorial service in memory of Sharon will be held at a later date.

Christler Funeral Home, Houghton Lake Chapel is serving the family.