Rebecca Craven Sartain

Beckie was born and raised in Parrish, Alabama, where she was an active member of her church and cheer squad. She graduated from Parrish High School in 1967 and then attended Walker College, where she met the love of her life. Beckie paused her studies to care for her family while her husband served in the Vietnam War. After his return, they moved to Tuscaloosa, and Beckie served as the director of Kinder Care Learning Center while Ed completed his degree.

They later returned to Jasper, where Beckie earned a master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Beckie dedicated her life to serving children. She spent her entire professional career as a teacher in the Walker County School System, leaving a lasting impact on countless students. After retiring, she continued her ministry through her church, serving as Vacation Bible School Director, Bible Drill teacher, and a warm, welcoming presence for every child who entered.

A devoted wife, mother, daughter, grandmother, and sister, Beckie loved singing in the choir and treasured her church family. She enjoyed Bible study and Monday lunches with her friends, cherished time with her family, and considered her sister one of her greatest blessings. Those who knew her recognized her as someone who loved deeply and wholeheartedly.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at Northside Baptist Church on Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026, from 10 until 11 a.m., directed by Kilgore-Green Funeral Home. The funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. Burial will be at Providence Cemetery. David Byrd will officiate.

Beckie is survived by her daughters, Sandy Forman (Jay) and Ashley Laird (Matthew); her grandchildren, Jackson Forman, Casey Forman, Brant Laird and Wyn Laird; her sister, Debra Craven Tuggle (Spencer); several nieces and nephews; and her honorary brother, Bill Hyde.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Claud Edwin “Big Ed” Sartain; and her parents, Gordon and Dorothy Craven. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Northside Baptist Church Children’s Ministry or the Walker Area Community Foundation (Community Fund).