Sarah Jackson Howerton

Mrs. Sarah Jackson Howerton, 86, of Mount Airy, died Sunday, March 29, 2009, at her residence following a brief bout with cancer. Born in Lowgap, she graduated from Mount Airy High School and Meredith College in Raleigh. She was married to the Reverend Richard T. Howerton, Jr. for 50 years, as they made their homes in Raleigh, NC, New York, NY, Port Jefferson, NY, Lincolnton, NC, Blacksburg, VA, Petersburg, VA, and Mount Airy, NC. She taught elementary school and high school math, and was active in all communities in which she lived, including garden clubs, bridge clubs, art councils, libraries, museums, community foundations, hospitals, and the American Association of University Women. A woman of strong faith, she served her husband as a dedicated preacher's wife, considering herself a part of her husband's ministry. Most recently, she served as deacon, teacher of the Dorcas Sunday School Class, circle member, and a coordinator of flower arrangements for the First Baptist Church of Mount Airy. An active Mount Airy citizen, she volunteered at Northern Hospital of Surry County, Mount Airy Public Library, and the Mount Airy Museum of Regional History. She was a board member of the Mount Airy Community Foundation, and she was an active member of the Mount Airy Senior Arts and Craft Guild. An avid sports fan, she experienced faithfully the ups and downs of the Wake Forest Demon Deacons, the San Antonio Spurs, and the Atlanta Braves. A devoted wife and mother, Sarah opened her home graciously to numerous friends, relatives, and guests for extended periods of time. A master of imparting mirth with her welcoming culinary skill, she prepared thousands of meals, including over 500 roadside and tent-side delicacies during her family's camping treks to 50 states and 12 foreign countries. She is dearly loved and will always be remembered by two daughters, Carol Howerton Harding of Winston-Salem and Sarah Howerton Hanson and husband, Dr. George Kristian Hanson of Poquoson, VA; a son, Richard Thomas Howerton, III and wife, Janice Pope Howerton, of Atlanta, GA; seven grandchildren, Katherine Harding O'Donnell and husband, Darby O'Donnell, of Richmond, VA, Christopher Robert Harding, Jr. of Charlottesville, VA, Richard Seth Howerton and Robert Jackson Howerton, both of Atlanta, GA, Andrew Damon Howerton of Los Angeles, CA, and Richard Schleiger Hanson and Laura Greenwood Hanson, both of Poquoson, VA; and a great-granddaughter, Norah Grace O'Donnell of Richmond, VA. Mrs. Howerton was preceded in death by her husband, the Reverend Richard Thomas Howerton, Jr.; her parents, William Albert and Ora Armfield Jackson; and two sisters, Valeria Jackson Shuford and Margaret Jackson Francisco. The family will greet family and friends on Friday, April 3, 2009, from 12:00 to 1:30 PM at First Baptist Church in Mount Airy, followed by a memorial service to celebrate her life at 1:30 in the sanctuary of the church, with Dr. Roger B. Gilbert officiating. Memorial contributions can be made to the First Baptist Church Building Fund, 714 North Main Street, Mount Airy, NC 27030, or to the Richard T. and Sarah J. Howerton Endowment Fund, c/o The Surry Arts Council, P.O. Box 141, Mount Airy, NC 27030. Moody Funeral Services in Mount Airy is serving the Howerton family.