Sarah Mildred (Hardiman) Thomasson

Kingsport resident, Sarah Mildred (Hardiman) Thomasson, age 70, passed away peacefully on May 23, 2014, surrounded by her family, following an extended battle with cancer. Mrs. Thomasson was born January 31, 1944 in Louisville, KY to the late Joe Rye Hardiman and Ruby (Chasteen) Hardiman. She married John Edward Thomasson on September 30, 1966 in Louisville, KY. She came to Kingsport with her husband and two children in 1977 and was employed by Kingsport City Schools for over 25 years. First, at the former Madison Elementary School, then advancing to Secretary of Lincoln Elementary School and finally, in the Federal Programs Office at Robinson Middle School, retiring in 2007.

Her hobbies consisted of playing city and church league softball well into her adult years and rooting on her three favorite sports teams, the Louisville Cardinals Men's basketball team, Tennessee Lady Vols and the Atlanta Braves. In retirement she enjoyed traveling and being a Grammy.

Mrs. Thomasson was a previous member of Fort Robinson Baptist Church where she served for several years as Sunday School Teacher, VBS Director, Church Membership Secretary and Choir Member. She later transferred her membership to Calvary Baptist Church where she was a beloved member of the choir.

Her children said "Mom's unconditional love and support never wavered. She truly was a reflection of the Light we are called by Christ to be in this world." She was considered a trusted and loyal friend by everyone she came into contact with.

Mrs. Thomasson was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Joe and David Hardiman.

She is survived by her husband, John Thomasson; daughter and son-in-law, Michelle and Nathan Thomson of Buford, GA; son and daughter-in-law, Glen and Cheri' Thomasson of Kingston Springs, TN; the delight of her life, her grandchildren, Connor and Gabriella Thomson of Buford, GA; sister, Gloria Cutsinger of Louisville, KY; sister, Etha Sanders of New Bern, NC; father-in-law, Edward Thomasson and mother-in-law, Marteen Thomasson.

The family of Sarah Thomasson would like to extend their heart felt appreciation to all the friends and neighbors who sent cards and flowers, prepared meals and continually prayed for her during her difficult battle with cancer.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, May 27, 2014 from 4-7:00 pm at Calvary Baptist Church, 1238 Pine Street, Kingsport, TN 37660. Funeral services will follow at 7:00 pm with Pastor Donnie Brannen officiating and the eulogy by Becky Mann. Special music will be provided by Heidi Brannen, vocalist and the Calvary Baptist Church Choir.

Additional funeral services and burial will be held on Thursday, May 29, 2014 at Louisville Memorial Gardens and Funeral Home, West.

Honorary pallbearers will be Mike Trent, Chad Shanks, Jim Sipe, Curtis Johnson, Buzzy Mann, Rick Hill, James Caywood, David Caywood, Todd Caywood, Kenneth Courtney, Adam Mann and Austin Mann.

Memorial contributions can be made to Calvary Baptist Church, 1238 Pine Street, Kingsport, TN 37660.