Sarah Witt Blackburn
Sarah Witt Blackburn
December 11, 2014
Sarah Witt Blackburn went to her heavenly home on Dec. 11, 2014. She was born on a farm near Athens, on Jan. 19th, 1926, to William Jesse and Mellie Sandlin Witt. She graduated from Elkmont High School in May of 1943. She taught school for a time and worked at a newspaper in Athens for several years. She married William “Bill” Henry Blackburn on October 1st, 1948, moving to Allsboro, a rural farming community. She built a life there with her husband. She was the woman behind the success of her husband, working right along beside him many times as well as taking care of the household. She was a loving and wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was a talented cook (as many can attest). She enjoyed cooking, canning, freezing and making jelly from the bountiful harvest of fruits and vegetables. She loved sharing them with family and friends. She was an avid reader and especially loved poetry. There were hardships along the way and she always relied on the Lord. She was a prime example of a Christian lady. She was a long time member of AllsboroMethodistChurch until its closing and then later a member of the MargerumCommunityChurch. She always loved living in Allsboro and especially loved Bill’s family as her own.
She goes to meet those who preceded her. Her parents, William Jesse and Mellie Sandlin Witt; husband William “Bill” Henry Blackburn; son, Roy Witt Blackburn; six brothers: George M., Robert E., Thomas, Fisher, Frank, Marvin, and Carl “Skid” Witt; two sisters: Marie Witt Burleson and an infant.
She is survived by one son, William “Sonny” Henry Blackburn, Jr. of Allsboro, two daughters, Melanie B. Hayes and husband, Billy, of Allsboro, Mary Etoile Smith and husband, John, of Orlando, Fla. She leaves grandchildren: Michelle B. Robinson and husband, Brad, Ben Dillinger, Joshua Blackburn, Nicole Hayes Pell and husband, Hans, Geri S. Carpenter and Jamie, Jessica Smith; and great-grandchildren Will, Caroline and Scott Robinson; also survived by one sister, Jane Witt Harlan.
Pallbearers were John Robert Witt, Jim Witt, Jerry Witt, Ben Dillinger, Raymond Wallace and Rheo Dover. Honorary pallbearers are Hans Pell, Mike Testerman, and J.C. Blackburn.
“She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed. Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.”
The funeral was Sunday, December 14th, at Morrison Funeral Home Chapel, Cherokee with visitation one hour before the service. Burial was in AllsboroMethodistCemetery, with Brother Rod Stansky and Buddy Dover officiating.
Special thanks goes to the caring staff of The Carrington House and Gentiva Hospice.
