Audrey S. Poles

In Loving Memory of Audrey Sharp Poles It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Audrey Sharp Poles, who peacefully entered into the arms of her Lord and Savior on Sunday, June 28, 2026, at 1:20 a.m. at UVA Hospital in Charlottesville, Virginia. She was 76 years old. Born on June 1, 1950, in Warrenton, Virginia, Audrey was the beloved daughter of the late John and Martha Jane Sharp. Audrey was a graduate of Taylor High School in 1967, where she never hesitated to add that she graduated a year early. On April 12, 1969, she married the love of her life, United States Marine Corps Veteran Melvin Eugene Poles Sr., in Warrenton, Virginia. Together they shared 57 wonderful years of marriage and built a home filled with love, laughter, faith, and family. In 1979, they made their home in Manassas, Virginia, where they raised their family. Audrey dedicated 34 years of service to the United States Postal Service in Merrifield, Virginia. She began her career with USPS in 1981 and retired July 1, 2015, as a Training Technician. Audrey took great pride in her work and earned the respect and admiration of her colleagues through her dedication and professionalism. Before joining the postal service, Audrey worked for Central Fidelity Bank at the Fairfax branch and later transferred to the Manassas branch, where she was employed from 1971 to 1981. Prior to her banking career, Audrey served as the secretary at Warrenton Elementary School from 1967 to 1971, where she was admired by staff, students, and families who entered the school. Audrey found her greatest joy in the simple pleasures of life—cooking delicious meals, completing word search puzzles, talking with friends, and, above all, spending time with her family. She was a devoted supporter of her children's and grandchildren's school activities, sporting events, and extracurricular accomplishments. Whether she was cheering from the sidelines, volunteering her time, or simply showing up with her unconditional love and encouragement, Audrey was always there. Nothing made her prouder than watching her family grow, succeed, and create memories together. Audrey was a devoted wife, loving mother, proud grandmother, caring sister, aunt, and treasured friend. She possessed a generous heart, a beautiful spirit, and a warm smile that could brighten anyone's day. She was known for her kindness, compassion, selflessness, and especially for her wonderful home cooking, which brought family and friends together around the table. Her love was unconditional, and she gave of herself freely without expecting anything in return. Family was the center of Audrey's world. She treasured every moment spent with those she loved, especially her beloved granddaughters, Jaelyn and Caralyn ("Tinkypoo"). Whether she was playing solitaire, working on word searches, singing Baby Shark or Barney songs, putting together puzzles, sharing stories, filling the room with laughter, going out to eat with family and friends, visiting family, daily trips to Walmart, Krispy Kreme or a grocery store to get snacks, Audrey made every moment special. Even during her final days in the hospital, she continued singing Baby Shark with her granddaughter—a beautiful reflection of her unwavering love, remarkable strength, and joyful spirit. That same love and warmth will remain with her family forever. Audrey is lovingly survived by her beloved husband of 57 years, Melvin E. Poles Sr.; their children, Avery LeCato Poles (56), Byron Monte Poles (55), Melvin Eugene Poles Jr. "Jun" (53), Tamera Elizabeth-Jane Lerch (45), and Tamara Audrey Poles (40); and her most cherished granddaughters, Jaelyn Jane Lerch (19) and Caralyn Alice Lerch (17). She is also survived by her brother, John Sharp and his wife; her sister-in-law, Virginia Sharp; and her uncle, Norman Sharp. Audrey was a loving aunt to 3 nieces and 2 nephews and a devoted great-aunt to forty great nieces and great nephews. She also leaves behind many extended family members and dear friends, especially her best friend, Delilah “Joy” Mack, who will forever cherish her memory. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has offered prayers, kind words, and unwavering support during this difficult time. Your compassion has been a source of strength and comfort. Although our hearts are broken, we find peace in knowing that Audrey's love, faith, kindness, and legacy will continue to live on through her family and all whose lives she touched. She was truly one of God's most cherished angels on earth, and while the world is dimmer without her, Heaven shines brighter because she is there. She will be forever loved, forever remembered, and forever missed. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at Beulah Baptist Church in Markham, Virginia. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 10:30 a.m. Interment will take place at Quantico National Cemetery at 2:00 p.m. Following the interment, the Poles family will host a Celebration of Life at their home beginning at 5:30 p.m., where family and friends are invited to gather, share memories, and honor Audrey's remarkable life.

Audrey S. Poles

June 1, 1950 - June 28, 2026