A Life Well Lived

Sarah’s life stands as a testament to the power of education, community, and an enduring spirit.

Sarah Williams—beloved daughter, sister, aunt, educator, and author—was born May 21, 1947, in Asheville, North Carolina, to Willie and Annie Mae Williams. Raised in Asheville, she developed a lifelong devotion to learning, service, and community that guided her remarkable life.

A 1965 graduate of Stephens-Lee High School, Sarah earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Winston-Salem State University and later pursued a Master’s Degree in Education Administration at Western Carolina University in 1982. During her college years, she pledged Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., an affiliation she cherished and served faithfully for more than thirty years, exemplifying its ideals of scholarship and service.

Sarah began her teaching career in Newark, New Jersey, before returning to Asheville after three years. She devoted herself to Asheville City Schools, teaching at Jones Elementary and South French Broad Middle School (now Asheville Middle School). Known to students as Mrs. James and Mrs. Williams, she taught with heart and purpose until her retirement in 1997. Her commitment to education continued through her involvement in the early years of Evergreen Charter School.

In retirement, Sarah embraced creativity and reflection, becoming an accomplished author. Her book, Backside of the Country, stands as a deeply personal tribute to her family’s roots and the history of the Mississippi Delta.

Faith was central to Sarah’s life. She was a devoted member of Berry Temple Methodist Church until its closure and later found a spiritual home at Calvary Presbyterian Church, where she remained an active and faithful congregant.

Sarah lived a life rich in purpose and connection—as a loving daughter, devoted sister and aunt, loyal friend, committed Soror, faithful church member, thoughtful author, and passionate educator. Through her generosity, wisdom, and steadfast dedication, she touched countless lives and leaves a legacy that endures.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Annie Mae Williams and Willie Williams, Sr.; her brothers, Eugene and Willie Williams Jr.; her sister, Diana Turner; and her nephew, Willie Williams III, affectionately known as “Puddin.”

She is lovingly remembered by her sisters, Alberta Williams and Annie C. Tinsley; her sister-in-law, Candice Williams; her nieces, Christin King and Atonna Webster of Asheville; and a large extended family of nieces, nephews, cousins, and great-nieces and nephews. She also leaves cherished cousins Willie and James Bush Jr., and lifelong friends Laura Groleau, Patsy Protor, Ouida Westen, Jacki Summey, and Robert “Boyd” Brown.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., the East End Association, Calvary Presbyterian Church, and the Stephens-Lee Community Center for their love, support, and fellowship.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on February 28, 2026, at 1 p.m. at Calvary Presbyterian Church, 44 Circle Street, Asheville, NC 28801.