Sara Thornton Smith

Sara was a loving wife and mother, loyal friend, and stalwart caregiver. Truly a selfless person, almost to a fault, she spent much of her life caring for elderly family members. A person with an immense capacity for empathy, she was always the first to offer help to those in need. Despite all her service to others she never once left her family wanting for love and affection.

Sara was a lifelong resident of Birmingham, Alabama, growing up in East Lake, graduated from Woodlawn High School in 1948, attended 66th street Baptist Church where she met her husband, Samuel Wallace Smith, shortly after his service in World War II. They would remain married for the next 58 years until his death in 2008. Sara was also a member of Leeds First Baptist Church.

Sara is preceded in death by her father John W. Thornton, mother Sarah Lillian Thornton, her husband Samuel Wallace Smith, and her brothers John W. Thornton and James Thornton. She is survived by her daughter Sandy Smith, son Scott Smith, grandson Harrison Smith and daughter in law Amy K Bischoff.

The family would like to say thank you to everyone at Compassus Hospice, and specifically Star Catrett, who provided peace, comfort and friendship to Sara in her final days.

Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble of heart; and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light. Matthew 11:28-30