Shari Sue Robinson

Shari Sue Robinson of Indianapolis, Indiana passed away on Saturday morning, May 18, 2024 at the age of 85. 

Shari was born on November 5, 1938 in Indianapolis, Indiana, a daughter of Roy and Evelyn (nee Prentiss) Robinson. She is preceded in death by her parents, her brother Dr. Robbie Robinson, her two children Melisa Sue Abrams and Jon Joe Robinson, as well as her favorite cousin Betty (Al) Harding. 

She is survived by her husband  of 24 years Walter McMannis VIII of Indianapolis, Indiana. 

She is also survived by her grandchildren: Austin (Nick) Dokai, Heather (Kyle) Yushka and Chelsea Bright and seven great grandchildren who she loved all of them very much. Nephews Randy Robinson, Tommy Robinson, and Rodney Robinson and their mother (Shari’s sister in law) Patty Robinson. 

Shari led and interesting and wonderful life.  While she was young her parents moved to California where she auditioned for the Motion Picture Industry.  20th Century signed her to a contract and so began Shari’s acting career. Shari’s first role was in the movie “You’re My Everything" staring Dan Dailey. 

Over the course of her career Shari appeared in many movies, plays, revues and TV shows. She toured Japan after World War II with a dance troop and learned to love the Japanese culture.  She toured the USA with a musical group. 

During this time she also gave birth to the loves of her life, her two children Jon Joe and Melisa Sue. 

In the late fifties Shari retired from professional show business.  She returned to Indiana and attended IU Dental School.  She graduated with a bachelor's degree in 1961. After graduating Shari spend her time between Indianapolis and her families home in Beverly Hills.  She worked in a Flower Shop owned by her friend Sonny Alexander for years. Shari then worked for 40 years as a dental hygienist at various offices most on the west side under Dr. Gerald Epstein and Dr. Wade Carnes. Shari spent a lot of time with her favorite cousin Betty and Betty’s husband Al Harding. Through them she met and became friends with Mike Lackey and his wife and their family. 

A mention must be made of Mark Cade, Sheri’s financial advisor of more than 40 years, but more than that a wonderful friends of Shari’s.  A wonderful man that she trusted and counted on for guidance. 

Shari adopted the Jewish Religion after the untimely death of her daughter Melisa Sue in 1980.  She learned to read and write Hebrew so she could study the Kabbalah. She attended Congregation Beth-El Zedeck.  

However her true religion was health, fitness, and exercise.  She worked out and exercised every day of her life.  She volunteered to teach at various health clubs in Indianapolis for many years.  She believed in a daily vitamin and supplement regiment. 

Although Shari stopped performing.  She never stopped being creative.  She was accomplished oil painter of landscapes and portraits.  In her spare time she made jewelry and did leather work.  She enjoyed the Indianapolis Colts and Pacers. 

Her happiest times were volunteering to teach dance to the pre school children at Jelly Bean Junction, owned and operated by her friend Sandy Frazier and her son Bo.  She loved teaching the little children and over the years they grew up, and she taught their children.  Miss Shari started at Jelly Bean in 1986 and stayed until the end of 2020. 

In 1995 a dental patient named Walter asked her out.  She said yes and in 2000 he convinced her to marry him.  They were wed in Las Vegas, Nevada on April 22, 2000.  They spent the rest of their lives together very happily.  

At the end of Shari’s life, her final wish of her lifetime was to volunteer at the Indianapolis zoo which she accomplished in the last few years until she could no longer do it.  She enjoyed the staff and had so much fun. 

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Dr Stephen Lang, M.D and Jen and Schajaun and Julie and all of the rest of the staff at St. Vincent’s medical group for their outstanding care to Shari throughout her life. 

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 29, 2024 from 12:00 Noon to 1:00 PM at Flanner Buchanan – Washington Park East Funeral Center, located at 10722 E. Washington Street, Indianapolis, Indiana 46229. 

Her funeral service will begin at 1:00 PM. 

Shari will be privately laid to rest at Oak Hill Cemetery in Lebanon, Indiana. 

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations be made to a charity of your choice in memory of Shari.