Obituary

Sara Whitlock Smith, born on December 5, 1935, in Union, South Carolina, passed away peacefully on August 4, 2024, at her home in Fearrington Village, North Carolina, surrounded by her loving family. She was the cherished daughter of Eitha Gerrald Whitlock and Richard Ralston Whitlock.

Sara graduated from Lake City High School in Lake City, South Carolina, before continuing her education at the Women’s College of the University of North Carolina, where she graduated with honors with a BSHE degree in Textile Design and Clothing in 1958.

She had a deep quiet faith that expressed itself with her strong devotion to her family and her service to her community.

Sara dedicated over 40 years of her life to the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). She served as the David Reese Regent from 1988-1990 and 1998-2000. Additionally, she was the Mississippi State Chair for the DAR schools from 1998-2001 and a member of the board of trustees for the Kate Duncan Smith DAR School in Grant, Alabama.

Sara also served as the First Lady of the School of Engineering for the University of Mississippi, where she organized social events for the Engineering School while her husband served as Dean.

Sara was a member of the First Baptist Church in Tullahoma, Tennessee, and the First Baptist Church in Oxford, Mississippi. She was also a member of the Smith Island Art League on Bald Head Island, North Carolina, where she designed jewelry, rugs, and purses.

Sara was preceded in death by her husband, Allie Maitland Smith. She is survived by her three devoted daughters: Holly Smith; Leianne Taylor and her husband Tommy; and Merry Vaughan and her husband Bob. She is also survived by her beloved grandchildren: Jonathan Taylor, Lauren Taylor Falconbury, David Taylor, Matthew Taylor, Robert Vaughan, Chris Vaughan, and Chase Vaughan, and two great-grandchildren, Adeline and Elyse Falconbury. Additionally, Sara is survived by her sister Patty Hamsher and her brother Richard Whitlock.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the CNAs Thuy Tran, Cynthia Holloway, and Maxine Wilcox for their compassionate care of Sara. They also wish to thank the UNC Hospice team, including Pat, Fred, Cynthia, and Brittany, for their dedicated support.

A private family memorial service will be held at the Bald Head Island Chapel at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Village Chapel of Bald Head Island or the Cure Alzheimer’s Fund.

Sara’s legacy of kindness, dedication, and love for her family and community will live on in the hearts of those she touched. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her.