Sharon “Denise” Buff

Sharon “Denise” Buff, 70, of Hickory, passed away Saturday, March 7, 2026, at her home. Born October 26, 1955, in Lenoir, NC, she was the daughter of the late Robert Allen Smith and the late Mary Catherine Smith.

Denise retired from Hickory City Schools as a cafeteria manager. Prior to that, she worked for the Newton-Conover School System. She loved playing the piano, doing counted cross-stitch, and reading books. She deeply loved her husband and cared for him faithfully until she was no longer able, and even then she continued to try. Denise also enjoyed camping and especially looked forward to several camping trips each summer.

Denise is survived by her three children: Carolyn Holman and husband Buddy, Dean Buff, and Nicole Hicks; six siblings: Darlene Story and husband Ronald, Diane Franklin, Terrie Swanson and husband Randy, Pam Murphy and husband Phil, Allen Smith, and Byron Smith and wife Osha; six grandchildren: Tracy Lominac, Matthew Holman, Lisa Hoyle, Ashley Green, Joseph Hicks, and Gemma Hicks; and seven great-grandchildren: Luke Conrad, Adrian Conrad, Jeremy Hoyle, Isaac Holman, Caleb Hoyle, Lincoln Holman, and Sydney Lominac.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 48 years, Carroll Dean Buff.

A memorial service will be held at 2:30 PM on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at Startown First Baptist Church, with Pastor William Church officiating. The family will receive friends from 1:00 PM to 2:20 PM at the church prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Startown First Baptist Church.

Please sign the online guestbook on the Memorial Wall at www.jenkinsfuneralhome.net. The Buff family has entrusted arrangements to Jenkins Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Newton (828-464-1555).