Sara Stewart

Sara Terry Stewart, age 96 and long-time resident of Cookeville, ascended to heaven on September 7, 2019. Sara, an authentic person, possessing a vibrant personality and an unsurpassed giving heart, was born May 26, 1923 in Cookeville to the late Thomas Jasper Terry and Margaret Ethel Brown Terry. Graduating from Cookeville Central High School, she later graduated with a business major from Tennessee Tech. Sara married her high school sweetheart, Clarence Luther Stewart, in 1941. A life-long member of First Baptist Church, Sara taught Sunday school and was an active member over her lifetime. Characterized by a life of compassion, grace, and love of the out-of-doors, Sara was a consummate Girl Scout leader of several troops including Troop 143 that embarked on an 8th grade trip to Our Cabana, an international Girl Scout center in Mexico. Later eight troop members, along with Ann Burns, traveled to New York City before the scouts' freshman year in college. Sightseeing, attending plays, and a feature article in Glamour magazine, complete with makeovers, highlighted the adventurous trip. Sara inspired us with the sense of the possible, through hard work, focus, determination, imagination, and ingenuity A mentor to many, she was "present", she listened, and she loved unconditionally. Possessing an exceptional sense of style, Sara and, dear friend, Ann Burns opened The Knook, a unique clothing boutique, featuring clothes by young designers, close to Tech's campus. Later on, she managed Scruples, a women's clothing store in the Cookeville Mall. She was predeceased in death by her husband of 74 years, a beloved daughter, Lisa, and sister, Geraldine (Geri) Terry Ramsay. Her legacy continues as she is survived by her son, Dr. (Col. Retired Army) Jack (Sarah) Stewart, Lansing, Kansas, and daughter, Cissie (Frank) White, Atlanta, Georgia. Her grandchildren- unto generations- include Dr. Diana Williams Stewart Hoover (Dr. John). Asheville, NC, Jonathan Jeb (Melissa), Louisville, KY, Hadley White Kelly (Matt), Washington, D.C. and Whitney O'Terry White, Atlanta, GA. Great grandchildren include Eleanor Lucy and Lydia Caroline Stewart and Cy Williams Hoover. The family wishes to acknowledge the special caregivers of Heritage Pointe, NHC and Caris Hospice Healthcare (most especially Suzi Mai Maynard, Laurie Murphy, and Catherine Roberts). In addition, Dr. Sarah Ramsay, her namesake niece, has been a guardian angel with unsurpassed love and care Memorial contributions may be made in her memory: Red Cloud Indian Education Foundation, 100 Mission Rd., Pine Ridge, SD 57770 or Girl Scouts of Middle TN, 4522 Granny White Pike, Nashville 37204 (specify gift to be used to cover expenses associated with joining GS for girls unable to afford them, as well as providing experiences for under-represented areas) A celebration of life service will be held Friday, October 4th at 1:00 p.m. at the Cookeville chapel of Hooper-Huddleston & Horner Funeral Home with Rev. Bill Stone officiating. Interment will follow at Crest Lawn Cemetery. Family will receive friends Thursday evening, October 3rd from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. and again Friday from 12:00 p.m. until service time at the funeral home. Hooper-Huddleston & Horner Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements (931)526-6111. Share memories and condolences at hhhfunerals.com