She was born on Sand Mountain in DeKalb County, AL, on November 17, 1941, to Vassie Ruth and Virgol Bell Wilson. Her siblings were Jerome (who married Ivalee); Margaret Sexton (who married Dude); and Frankie McKelvey (who married sweet J.R.). “Sarah Jane” was the baby.
The love of her life was Terry Loyd Cagle, who proceeded her in death in 1992, after 28 years of marriage. They had one child, Thomas.
She was employed by Zayre Department Store in Madison, TN, before becoming an office manager at Louis Williams and Company in downtown Nashville, where she retired.
She was a great cook and an eager shopper. She loved a hot slot machine and was always ready to scratch a lottery ticket. She believed in science and God, The Golden Rule and forgiveness.
She had a tender and open heart. She listened.
As a mother, as a friend to many, and as a citizen, Sarah believed in fairness and equality for everyone, including women, those with disabilities, the LGBTQ community, and people of all colors and nationalities. She believed that Black lives matter. She believed that children should never be mistreated.
She was fun and so very funny, and could be feisty and a flirt. She always found Richard Gere easy on the eyes, and always found Dean Martin and Willie Nelson easy on the ears. She loved snowmen and panda bears, and the memory of her hound dog, “Madam,” who was her loyal companion and friend for many years.
Sarah is survived by her son and best friend, Thom Cagle, of Santa Monica, CA, one surviving sister, Frankie McKelvey of Dawson, AL, and lifelong and devoted friends, Mary Dishman and Pam Dishman of Hendersonville, TN.
Other survivors include Carol Orton, of Madison, TN, Dianne (“Cuz”) Duncan of Knoxville, TN, nieces, nephews, TN friends, and many newer friends from Santa Monica, where she had resided for the last seven years. Santa Monica had become “home” - thanks to her kind healthcare providers at Cedars-Sinai; the welcoming and fun atmosphere of (Don Cranford’s) The Golden Bull; and the special people at her senior apartment community of Silvercrest.
We call it death, but it is liberty.
A private graveside service will be held upon interment at Forest Lawn, Goodlettsville, TN.
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