August 23, 1931 - November 6, 2023
Celebration of Life Service for Sarah Sole, 92, will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, December 2, 2023 at Anderson Burris Funeral Home. Burial will be at a later date with family at Greenwood Cemetery in Rison, Arkansas.
Sarah Herndon Smith was born August 23, 1931 at Markham Hospital in Longview, Texas to Zell and Herndon Holmes Smith and passed away on Monday, November 6, 2023 in Edmond, Oklahoma surrounded by the loving angels who accompanied her in her final days.
Sarah was a toddler when she sat upon her daddy's lap as he read the newspaper, during the Depression when most stories were updates of World War II. "Pop" reading the paper, signs, books, maps and puzzles formed the origin of our mother's launch into reading, composing, English Language, grammar, vocabulary, and Literature. She was a master of words, as the New York Times crossword puzzle was her favorite challenge. She traveled alone on the train or bus to Memphis, Tennessee every summer wearing a paper name tag pinned to her lapel with the destination attached. Sarah attended Georgia Tucker Elementary School and Neville High School in Monroe, Louisiana. She graduated from Louisiana Tech University in Ruston, Louisiana where she was a member of Phi Mu Sorority. There, she met Richard Hugh Sole, from Shreveport and the two were married June 14, 1952 in Monroe, Louisiana. Their children are Richard Allen Sole and wife Debbie of Ft. Worth, Texas and Mary Margaret Sole Morgan of Enid, Oklahoma.
Sarah was an active leader in Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Demolay, Rainbow Girls, Eastern Star, DAR, Magna Carta Dames, Enid Literacy Council, and the Enid Library Board.
She taught Elementary Education in Henderson, Texas, Jr. High English in Elkhart, Kansas, Homebound Studies in Enid, Oklahoma and Reading for Inmates at the Federal Prison in Lexington, Kentucky. She assisted her husband, Richard, in ownership of Dewey Burris Construction in Enid, Oklahoma. Sarah excelled in sewing, embroidery, crochet, knitting and at 60 years old taught herself how to Tat (decorative lace). Her nickname to many was "Aunt Sadie". As a child, she was often called "Sally" by Mattie, who worked in the home to help raise Sarah during the hard times of the Depression.
Mom was known as the “Biggest Little Fan of the Chicago Cubs Baseball Team.” Her dream came true when she was able to take Benjamin to Wrigley Field for several games. She also supported OSU Cowboys in all sports. In honor of her undying spirit, you are welcome to attend her memorial in cubs or cowboy attire. She would laugh her fanny off!
Sarah was preceded in death by her parents, Zell and Herndon Smith (Mun and Pop), Brother Zell Smith Jr. (Smit) and wife Sybil, sister Marion Holmes Rivers and husband Richard (Red).
Sarah is survived by son Richard Allen Sole and wife Debbie, granddaughters Emily and husband Christian, Sarah and husband C. J., great grandsons Cameron and Case; daughter Mary Margaret Morgan, grandchildren Stephanie Garner, Ginny Carter, Benjamin Garner, great grandchildren Caleah, Charlee and Mila.
Condolences may be made to the family online at www.andersonburris.com. Memorials may be made to the SPLC (Southern Poverty Law Center) 400 Washington Avenue Montgomery, AL 36104.
Condolences can be made to the family online at Andersonburris.com. Honored to be recognized nationally, the past 6 years, for the Pursuit of Excellence award. Because family matters, let us take care of yours. We are proud to own the only crematory in Garfield county and ensure your loved one receives the care and respect they deserve while never leaving our care. Visit 3002 N. Van Buren, Enid, OK 73703. Call: (580) 233-2700.
Obituaries are posted, in part, due to the generosity of The Commons.
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