Mrs. Sara Elizabeth Stokely Lockett
Retired U.S. Post Office
THOMSON, Ga. - Mrs. Sara Elizabeth Stokely Lockett, age 92, died
February 7, 2010 in the Ogeechee Area Hospice Inpatient Facility in
Statesboro, Ga.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 33 years, Marion (Hank)
Lockett of Boneville, Ga.; her parents, Marion Clark and Johnnie Farr
Stokely, one sister, Margaret Lena Stokely, three brothers, Marion Clark
Stokely, Jr., Eugene Farr Stokely, and James Royal Stokely.
She grew up in the small rural town of Boneville, Ga. She attended
school in nearby Thomson and graduated with the class of 1934. She
married at the age of 21 and she and her husband owned and operated
Locket's Grocery until his death. They were quite a team and not only
served the community in business but reached out to those in need
spiritually, physically, and financially. She was a member of the Boneville
Methodist Church for many years where she taught the adult Sunday
School Class, sang in the choir and played the piano when needed. She
was quite the organizer and headed up many church functions. Years
later she joined Little Briar Cheek Baptist Church to be with her family.
She served on many committees and was their substitute pianist. In
1971, she sold the family business and assumed the position of Post
Master for Boneville. This job was truly a gift from God and through it
she received many blessings and lifelong friends. The people became her
extended family and God used her to touch the lives of those she served
by pouring out His love, kindness, and goodness on every person who
stepped through the doors. One of the greatest pleasures of her life was
serving the public for 27 years. Retirement was not a word she endeared
but at the age of 81 she retired her position with deep remorse.
God was not through with her yet, so He took her love for music
and gave her yet another ministry. Her next assignment was to reach
out to the sick and lonely through a weekly devotional time at nursing
homes and assisted living facilities in Thomson. Playing the piano,
singing old familiar hymns, and sharing her faith was just what she
and the residents needed. Three and a half years ago she moved to
Statesboro Ga. to be near her daughter. She resided at Willow Pond
Assisted Living. Her health had declined but her spirit had not. God
had another assignment for her. She had the gift of encouragement and
so it was to be used in this place at this time in her life. Her gift of gab
was a blessing so she never met a stranger. She settled into her beautiful
new home and was blessed by the wonderful staff and residents there.
Through out her life she was recognized and honored in many different
ways. She was featured in the Augusta Magazine in a human interest
story representing her community. She was written up in the McDuffie
Progress and interviewed several times on WJBF Television. Everyone
knew and loved "Miss Sara." She had a beautiful servants heart, always
putting the needs of others above her own. She was open and loving
and her time was your time. Her favorite Bible verse was Matthew 22:
39 Love your neighbor as yourself." The thing she was most thankful
for was Eternal Life. She will be remembered as a "Woman of Faith!"
She was a treasure to her family and their greatest memories will not
only be her loving and generous spirit, but also her fried pork chops,
creamed corn, and dressing. Cooking was an expression of her love and
a memory they all cherish.
Survivors include her daughter Johnnie, and her husband, Ed Ellis of
Statesboro; two grandsons, Thomas Lockett (Ruthie) Ellis of Roswell,
Ga., and William Henry (Wendy) Ellis of Statesboro; six greatgrandchildren,
James, Sam, Clay, Anna, Grace, and Rose. a special
cousin, Sue Norman; many nieces and nephews and devoted friends
Gail Higdon, Julia Massey and Alice Partain.
Visitation was held Thursday Morning February 11, from 11 a.m.
-12 p.m. at Curtis Funeral Home in Thomson, Ga. The funeral service
was held Thursday, February 11, at 2 p.m. at Little Briar Creek Baptist
Church with Dr. Randy Dunaway and Rev. Ricky Stokely officiating.
Burial was in Savannah Valley Memorial Gardens.
Pallbearers were Jimmy Howard, Harold Harbin, Lamar Massey,
Leon Higdon, Marvin Norman and Simon Morgan.
Honorary pallbearers were the staff and residents of Willow Pond.
The family requests that memorial contributions be sent to Little
Briar Creek Baptist Church, c/o Julia Massey, Mt. Pleasant Road,
Thomson, Ga. 30824 or Ogheechee Area Hospice, P.O. Box 531
Statesboro, Ga. 39458
Curtis Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Web posted on Thursday, February 18, 2010
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