SARAH MILLS HECKHAUS, age 86 passed away Tuesday, July 20, 2021. She was preceded in death by her brothers, Jack Mills and Harold Mills; and sister, Judy Maness. She is survived by her daughter, Gwen Cavenaugh Norton (James B.); son, Charles R. Saunders (Robin); sister, Linda Mills Gray; grandchildren, Lauren Hendrix (Jonathan), Lindsay Meadows (Chris), Annie Aycock (Matt), Luke Blackwelder (Hannah), Lyle Blackwelder (Kammi) and Jordan Long (Laura); and great-grandchildren, Savannah and Jackson Hendrix; Eli, Mason, and Rowan Meadows; Coralee, MollyKate and Baylor Aycock; and a baby Blackwelder on the way.
We’re celebrating you Mom; all that we love and appreciate about you and your life of eighty-six years.
Born Sarah Alice Mills in rural North Carolina, the second of 5, you were small but fierce. You worked in the tobacco fields, you were a great athlete in high school and later as well. You inspired us with your fearless attitude – always willing to try new things (skateboarding, 3-wheeling, and camping to name just a few). You took that same fearlessness and work ethic into your career and excelled in your high level job in the government, as the first woman to achieve your position in your field. You were smart, articulate, humorous, and determined in all you did. We’re grateful for your spirit and courage.
You showed us a mother’s love – the unconditional nature of it and how to deeply care for and love others. Thank you for your example of love and faith. We love your devotion to God and the love you show from that devotion. You have loved your children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren well, and you were always there for us all, without question…always there whenever we needed you.
You faced, serious illness, chronic pain and suffering with courage and grace, and were close to death so many times, but were spared. Finally, after all the physical struggles and limitations, you were taken home to rest in the arms of Jesus on July 20, 2021. To God be the Glory. Amen.
We are all better for having had you in our lives. We love you and will miss you always until we meet again.
The family will have a memorial service at a later time.
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