MARION, IN - Sharmin Drake Brenneman, 74, from Marion IN, passed away at Stillwater Hospice in Fort Wayne on March 16, 2025, after a massive stroke.

Born in Angola, IN on June 24, 1950, to Corlyle Drake and Marcile (Fleck) Drake, her formative years were spent in Converse where she graduated from Oak Hill High School. After graduating from Taylor University and later, Ball State University, she taught at Converse Elementary School.

When Don Brenneman came to Converse Methodist as a new pastor, they met, fell in love, married, and in six months moved to Georgia where Don was assigned an Air Force chaplain.

During the Air Force years, Sharmin was privileged to teach in Georgia, California, Berlin, Germany, Louisiana, and the Republic of Panama. While stationed in Louisiana, daughter, Joanna joined the family, bringing Sharmin and Don much joy. The three have shared many adventures even in the last few years.

Back home in Indiana after Don’s Air Force retirement, Sharmin continued the fun and responsibilities of being a pastor’s wife, including leading in children’s ministry and Bible studies. She also brought joy to her grand nieces and nephews with her love of reading and always having a special book for them. You would also find her loving on the residents where she visited "the mothers," continuing to help care for her mother-in-law, even after her own mother passed. She loved and served others with a calm and gentle spirit and lived out her faith in that way.

Sharmin loved books, nature, travel, and music. She was an avid fan of Jazz Standards, especially the music of John Pizzarelli and his seven stringed guitar. She and Don lived by the motto above their door, “It’s a Wonderful Life!” and they shared that with everyone who entered their door and throughout their many travels.

Sharmin is survived by her husband of 44 years, Donald Brenneman; their daughter, Joanna Brenneman, Indianapolis, IN; her sister, Jill (Roger) Judd, Upland, IN, and niece, Emily Judd, Upland, IN.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Corlyle and Marcile Drake.

Visitation is scheduled for Saturday, March 29, 2025, at Oak Chapel Church, 1335 Jadden Rd, Marion, IN, beginning at 10 am. A memorial service honoring her life will take place at noon, followed by a fellowship meal at the church.

Rather than sending flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Marion Public Library, 600 S. Washington Street, Marion, IN 46953, to honor Sharmin's love of learning and community. Your generous support will help continue her legacy of encouraging education and literacy in the community. For additional information and to view Sharmin’s online obituary, please visit www.churchfuneralsdirect.com.



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