Sharon Kay Swanson was born in Springfield, Missouri on January 25, 1943, to Robert Swanson and Melba Cameron. She never knew her father, he left when she was a baby. Her mom later remarried, and four siblings were born from that marriage, James Leroy Harness, Larry Neal Harness, Betty Joe Harness and Wanda Sue Harness. They all grew up around Osceola, leaving only to follow crops then returning home after crop season.  She learned to read, cook, and sew at a young age.

As an adult, she married Claud A. Collins, and they had four children; Claud Emery, Patricia Ann, Norma Jean and Paul Anthony.

Everyone always enjoyed her baking and home cooked meals. She sewed a lot; clothes, quilts, and numerous cross stitch and embroidery., She was also always reading a book, or doing crosswords.

Later, she divorced and worked in nursing for numerous years. She met Paul Brunson through his mother, whom was a nurse, they married and were married until his death.

She stayed active up to her death, sewing, reading, visiting with family and friends.

She is preceded in death by all her siblings, three children, and two grandchildren.

Sharon is survived by one daughter, Patricia Brownlee of Osceola, Missouri, many nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great grand children, and numerous friends.