Born in New Haven, Connecticut, and raised in the Atlanta area, Shari pursued her passion for communication and service early in life. In 1982, she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Communications from Xavier University of Louisiana in New Orleans, where she also pledged Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.

Shari began her professional career in the Atlanta area, working with WGNX-TV46, Erdas, Inc., United Way, and Spelman College. Her heart for global service later led her to the Peace Corps in Micronesia, where she spent five and a half years working with children and youth. Answering a deeper call to ministry, she went on to earn a Master of Divinity degree from the Candler School of Theology at Emory University in 2001.

Early in her ministerial journey, Reverend Rates served faithfully as a chaplain at Gwinnett Medical Center, Minister of Children and Youth at Ousley United Methodist Church, and Director of Programs at Stone Mountain First United Methodist Church. As an ordained Elder in the United Methodist Church, she later served both as Senior and Associate Pastor at several United Methodist congregations within the North Georgia Conference.

Guided by the belief that “to whom much is given, much is required,” Reverend Rates devoted her life to compassionate ministry. She was a dedicated member of the Clifton United Methodist Church team that ministered to children and youth at Georgia Regional Hospital for more than twenty years. She also participated in ministry training through the World Methodist Evangelism Institute, further strengthening her commitment to spreading the Gospel.

Reverend Shari Lynn Rates leaves to cherish her memory her loving sister, Sondra Maria Rates; her nephew, Jordan Maurice Rates (wife, Marcella Croil Rates); her great-nieces, Ricci Capri Riddle, Jayla Shanell Rates, and Mya Jordyn Rates; and her cousins, Barbara Curry, Anna Marie Johnson, Erica Myers and a large host of family and friends. She was preceded in death by her father, The Reverend Dr. Norman Maurice Rates, and her mother, Mrs. Laura Lynem Rates.

While our hearts mourn her earthly absence, we rejoice in the promise of eternal life and give thanks for a life faithfully lived in service to God and others. Reverend Rates leaves behind a legacy of faith, compassion, and dedication to building God’s Kingdom. Though she has laid down her earthly labor, her spirit lives on through the countless lives she touched, the seeds of faith she planted, and the love she shared so generously.