Sarah Mathes Close

Sarah Close died at 91 on August 8th, 2021, after a recent illness. She was predeceased by her husband, William; sister, Anne Ballard; daughter-in-law, Kathy; and parents, Paul and Olive Mathes. She was happy to call Signal Mountain home, living her adult years in her grandfather, Walter Marr’s, first Signal Mountain residence. She attended Nashville’s Ward Belmont as a young girl, going on to graduate from Vanderbilt University, where she was a member of Pi Phi sorority. Sarah and her husband, Bill lead a very active life raising four children, Beth Meerdink, (Perry); Paul Close, (Elizabeth); Sally Brown, (Kenn) and Barton Close, (Cindy). Speaking about her 9 grandchildren, and 16 great grandchildren always brought a smile to Sarah’s face. She and Bill were known for entertaining, both at their mountain home and lake cabin, The Lazy A. (If one were caught idle at one of her parties, they might soon find themselves making biscuits for 150!) Sarah was a regular tennis and bridge player, avid reader, loved puzzles and was known by her grandchildren as “the cool grandma,” because she could been seen zooming down the road in her sporty silver Corvette, (a valentine gift from Bill), into her eighties. Sarah gladly volunteered as a Junior League member, took many a fun journey with the Nifty Nomads, and enjoyed The Signal Mountain Garden Club. The family gives special thanks to Suzette Konsavage and Laurie Stephens for years of dedication. A private service will be held graveside at Chattanooga Memorial Park, preformed by the minister of First Christian Church, where Sarah was a long term member. A celebration of life will be planned for a later date. The family asks that memorial donations be given to the First Christian Church of Chattanooga Foundation.

Arrangements are under the care of the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson. Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com