Obituary: Sara Ann Stripling

Sara Ann Stripling Jenkins was born July 12, 1944, in Beaumont, Texas to Arthur Reagan Stripling and Allene Mueller Stripling; she entered in to rest with her savior Jesus Christ at her home in Athens, Texas on November 8, 2017.

Sara graduated from Athens High School, Class of 1962, then attended HCJC and became a Cardette; she went on to complete her Bachelors in Elementary Education at North Texas State University. She married her high school sweetheart, Erv. Jenkins, in 1965 and enjoyed 52 years together. She was an unwavering supporter of her children and grandchildren as well as devoted to her church. She had a servant’s heart and volunteered in numerous activities such as a Sunday school teacher, Girl Scout leader, G.A.s, homeroom mother, organized Mother’s Day Out, as well as a chauffeur for her girls. She loved to travel with Erv., to shop for a great deal, and she had a great sense of humor. Her fun-loving and kind presence will be missed by her family.

Sara was preceded in death by her parents and her sister Helen Jean Stripling. She is survived by her devoted husband, Reagan Ervin “Erv.” Jenkins, Jr.; Daughters: Stacy Diane Bennett and husband Michael, Shari Dawn Moore and husband Jason, Kathryn Allene “Kelli” Sampson and husband Kyle; Grandchildren: Abigail Taylor Sampson, Connor Reeves Sampson, Jack Reagan Sampson, Emma Kathryn Bennett, Jacob Cecil Moore, Caroline Ann Moore; Brother: Reggie Lee Stripling; Sister: Valetta Ramsour and husband Rev. Larry Ramsour; Sisters-In-Law: Suzy Jenkins Hill and husband Tom, Sherrill Jenkins Poff; Nieces and Nephews: Michelle Springer and husband Jeff, Marcelyn Hamm and husband Carl, Jill Hamil and husband Clay, Vic Poff and wife Julie, Troy Hood and wife Sharon, Clint Hill and wife Kim.

Funeral Services will be 11 am, November 10, 2017, at Autry’s Carroll-Lehr Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Kyle Henderson & Rev. Larry Ramsour officiating. Visitation will be at 10 am prior to the funeral. Private family graveside will be held at Oaklawn Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be Sara’s grandchildren, and honorary pallbearers will be the senior Adult Sunday School Class of First Baptist Athens. Arrangements are under the direction of Autry’s Carroll-Lehr Funeral Home.

In leu of flowers the family would invite you to make donations to the Athens Public Education Foundation. Special thanks to caregivers, Dot Meadows and Ann Cheek, as well as Dr. Heine and the staff at Lakeland Medical Associates.