Sharon Lovelady-Hall

Sharon Lovelady-Hall, 59, of Albany, New York, peacefully transitioned to Glory on February 26, 2026, with her husband by her side, holding her hand. Sharon was born in Albany, New York, on October 26, 1966, the fourth daughter of Carl and Harriette Lovelady. She was the beloved wife of Otis L. Hall, Jr., and mother of the late Shonye’ Lekia Hall. Affectionately known to her family as “Bunny,” she was a woman of quiet strength and determination.

On July 30, 1988, Sharon married the love of her life, Otis L. Hall, Jr. Together, they built a life centered on faith and an unbreakable bond. Otis was her devoted husband and caretaker. Sharon cherished simple pleasures like their long car rides together, his unwavering attentiveness, and the sweetness of hearing him say, “Good morning, Babe.”

A devout member of Macedonia Baptist Church, Sharon’s spirituality was the cornerstone of her life. She loved the Lord and found great joy in praising Him as a member of the praise team. She loved spending time with family and friends, especially during Sunday dinners at Nanny’s (mom and dad’s), holiday gatherings filled with love, stories, and laughter. She also enjoyed music and loved dancing. Her mom was her confidant and her rock. She had an extremely close bond with her sisters and always gave the most thoughtful and personal gifts. Sharon was the “regulator” and kept everyone in line. Not to be forgotten, Sharon loved her dogs, Lucky, Champ, LoBo (deceased), Colby (deceased), Taz (deceased).

Sharon graduated from Albany High School in 1984 and graduated with a degree in Paralegal Studies from Maria College. She continued her education and proudly graduated from Harvard University’s Trade Union Program. Her career with New York State began in 1989 with the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation. She later accepted employment with the Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA). This is where she found her calling and excelled in a career of 23+ years of distinguished service.

She rose through the ranks from Deputy Director of Education and Leadership Development to Director of Education and Leadership Development, ultimately serving as the Executive Assistant to the President of CSEA New York. Sharon was a powerhouse in the labor movement. She was the visionary and founder of the CSEA LEAD Program and a fierce advocate for working women, serving for many years as the adviser to the Standing Women’s Committee.

Sharon’s influence extended across the region as a founding member and Treasurer of the Capital District Chapter of the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU), and later as the CBTU Region 1 Director overseeing CBTU chapters across New York, Connecticut, New Jersey, Massachusetts and Ontario, Canada.

As a National Coalition Builder Institute (NCBI) Trainer/Facilitator, Sharon trained union staff and members to serve as a resource team to handle tough, polarizing, or discriminatory issues, while creating inclusive environments that teach skills to examine group perceptions and ideologies to work together more effectively. She also served as the Staff Liaison for the Minority Issues Committee, working to ensure that the voices and concerns of minority members are represented in CSEA’s policies, programs, and leadership to ensure fair treatment, culturally responsive services, and equal opportunities.

Sharon’s commitment to justice was recognized with numerous accolades and awards, including the Robert Wilson Leadership Award (1999), the Coalition of Black Trade Unionist “Special Recognition Award” (2000), Capital District CBTU “Nadra Floyd Membership Award” (2003), Coalition of Black Trade Unionist Women of Hope Award (2005), Honored Member of Cambridge Who’s Who Registry of Executives and Professionals (2006-2007), Labor Council of Latin American Advancement (LCLAA) “Award of Gratitude” (2014), Capital District Coalition of Black Trade Unionist (CDCBTU) “Award of Appreciation” (2017), CSEA Region 2 “Visionary Women-Champions of Peace and Non-Violence Award” (2019), and the Coalition of Black Trade Unionist “Dr. William “Bill” Lucy Legacy Award” (2022).

In 2006, following the loss of her greatest joy—her daughter, Shonye—Sharon and Otis turned their grief into a legacy of opportunity. They founded the Shonye’ L. Hall Scholarship Fund, which has since awarded 66 scholarships to college-bound students at Albany High School.

Sharon leaves to cherish her memory, her husband Otis L. Hall Jr., her parents, Deacon Carl and Harriette Lovelady; sisters, Carlise Lovelady, Linda McNeal (Gary Sr.), Deborah Lovelady, Joanne Lovelady; sisters-in-law, Odessa Hall (her BFFL), Oliscia Williams, Dorthea Jenkins; Sister/Friend, Shana Davis; God-children, Javar Jenkins, Jordan and Justin Smith, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends who will forever hold her in their hearts. Sharon was preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Shonye’ Lekia Hall.

Sharon’s life stands as a testament to her unwavering commitment to justice, equality, and service. Her impact was singular, and her legacy of love will continue to inspire all who knew and loved her.

Lovingly submitted,

the Hall and Lovelady families