P.O. Box 506, 943 Highway 425 North, Monticello, AR71655

Sara Lee Courtney
March 29, 1936 - January 31, 2014

Sara Lee Courtney

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Sara Lee Watson Courtney, 77, passed away holding her daughter's hand on Friday, January 31, 2014. She was born on March 29, 1936, in Louisiana to Norman the late Trezevant Watson and Agnes Dew Watson.

After high school, Sara became a flight attendant for Eastern Airlines. She then attended William Woods for two years and graduated from the University of Arkansas. She was a member of Zeta Tau Alpha. After graduating from Fayetteville, Sara went to the University of Arkansas at Monticello to become an English and Social Studies teacher. After teaching at Dermott and for Bellaire Academy, Sara became the GED Examiner for Southeast Arkansas. Because of her illness, she was forced to retire. She was involved in several literacy campaigns and always stressed the importance of education.

Sara was an amazing wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She was a very simple lady with a sweet personality and a dry sense of humor that kept those close to her laughing and happy.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Norman Trezevant and Agnes Dew Watson; her husband, Billy Gene Courtney, whom she married December 22, 1959; her daughter, Tanya Lee Farrell and her brother, Norman Trezevant Watson, II, "Trezy". She is survived by her daughter, Wendee Jenneane Courtney of Maumelle and two granddaughters who referred to her as "Gran", Kirby Ashton Farrell of Dermott and Courtney Isabella Reed of Maumelle and several nieces and nephews.

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Visitation
Sunday, February 2, 2014
from 4:00 to 6:00 pm
Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home
943 Highway 425 North
Monticello, AR  71657
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Service
Funeral Services
Monday, February 3, 2014
at 11:00 am
First United Methodist Church
100 N. Main
Dermott, AR  71638
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Interment
Dermott Cemetery
W. Gaines
Dermott, AR  71638
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Memorial Contributions
Alzheimers of Arkansas
201 Markham Center Drive
Little Rock, AR  72205

Condolences(14)

  1. Dianne Herring
    Kirby & family:
    I was so sorry to hear about the loss of your grandmother. My thoughts and prayers are with you in the days ahead.

    Dianne Herring
  2. Randall Oliver Watson
    My condolences to Sara Lee's family. I am her fathers half-brother, hence her half uncle.
  3. Vernon F Kelley
    I would like to express my condolences to the Courtney family. Sara Lee and I were classmates for 12 years at Hamburg High School. The class of l953 was very close nit group and Sara Lee was one of our leaders. She was a great friend and she will be greatly missed by all.

    Vernon F Kelley
  4. Shirley Wells Hall
    To the family of Sara Lee,

    I was a childhood friend of Sara Lee in Hamburg. A group of about seven girls were particularly close. We had many slumber parties and "spent the night" with each other many many nights. I have often thought of her and in fact corresponded with her in the '80s.

    Shrley Wells Hall, Ed.D.
  5. Bill Dew
    Wendee and family. I am so sorry for your loss. Sara was my first cousin and a big part our family. She was truly a special person. May God comfort you during this time.
  6. Jolene Hicks
    Wendee I have thought about you and your mom from the day you told me she was not will. I will continue to think o you during this time of loss.
  7. Nancy Dew Weems
    I am Sara Lee's first cousin, Nancy Dew Weems. My parents were William and Mildred Dew from Crossett. I grew up admiring Sara as my beautiful older cousin from Hamburg and I was the flower girl in her wedding! My most sincere sympathy to you, Wendee, and to your entire family.
  8. Beverly Cokley
    What a wonderful woman! She taught me in High School, then became a friend much later own. However, I have always admired her. I know that she is happy now that she is up there with Bill. She will be missed by all who knew her.

    Deepest sympathies,

    Beverly Cokley
  9. Dollie & Jim Blocker
    We will surely miss Sara. All who knew her have been blessed. God's Blessings and Comfort to all of you. She will be missed by many of us.
    Our Love to all of you.
  10. Coby Chivian
    Although I did not get to meet Ms. Courtney I know that she was a wonderful woman. I know this because she raised a strong woman like Wendee and an amazing granddaughter like Courtney. I loved hearing the stories the girls would tell, especially the dachshund stories:) My condolences to the family.
    Blessings and love.
    Coby Chivian
  11. Maxine Reaves
    Thoughts and prayers are with you all. I worked with Sara for several years and thought a lot of her. I considered her a dear friend. May God keep you wrapped in his loving arms.
  12. Vicki Reaves Allen
    Wendee...just wanted to let you know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Larry and I send you our deepest condolences. Your mom was a sweetheart.....I have nothing but fond memories of her. Wish I could've come to see you in person to share some of those memories.
    With love.....Vicki
  13. linda funderburg
    courtney family i am so sorry to hear of your loss sara was a sweet person our children went to school at bellaire together and we had some good times there..
  14. Heather Petty
    You and Court are in my thoughts and prayers. You were your moms pride and joy Wendee. You have the best guardan angel watching after you. Love you lots.
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