Sara Willard

Mrs. Sara Lee Tyson Willard, 83, of Augusta, Georgia passed away Tuesday, January 25, 2011 at her home. She was a Basketball Star and Cheerleader for Tennille High School. She was an operator for Southern Bell for a number of years. Sara loved to cook, travel and shop until her health declined. Holidays were always special to her, and spending time with her family, especially grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was a loving mother and “Nene” to her grandchildren. She will be dearly missed.

Mrs. Willard is preceded in death by her husband of fifty years, Benjamin R. Willard. She is survived by her two sons, Tommy R. (Denise) Willard and Robert “Butch” (Diane) Willard; one daughter, Brenda (Ricky) Groomes; one brother, A. C. Tyson; one sister, Christine Amerson; five grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter; neighbor and faithful best friend, Gladys Andrews; and her caregiver, Tammy.

The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 PM Thursday at the funeral home.

Funeral Services will be held 1 PM, Friday in the Lumpkin Road Chapel of Elliott Sons Funeral Home with Pastors B. E. Burton and Allen Franklin officiating. Nene’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren will honor her as pallbearers. Interment will follow in Hillcrest Memorial Park.