Sara Frances West Nolen, 77 of Ashland, Mississippi passed away peacefully at her home Saturday evening, October 23, 2021, with family at her bedside. Sara was born February 3, 1944, in Lamar, Mississippi, to William Granville West Sr and Eva Louise Hudspeth West. She is a 1962 graduate of Ashland High School. On August 5, 1962, she married the love of her life, Clyde E. Nolen Sr. of Memphis.
While raising a family, for a period of time she worked outside the home to provide for them. After raising her family, Sara returned to Blue Mountain College and graduated in 1988 Cum Laude with a BSE degree. She taught her entire career at Ashland Elementary School and forged the respect of many students, parents, grandparents, and colleagues before retiring in 2007. Sara earned the esteemed honor of becoming a National Board-Certified Teacher and is listed in the 2005-2006 publication Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers!
Sara was a beautiful wife, mama, grandma, and great grandma, with many God-given talents and abilities. Her ability to love and forgive was a gift from God. She loved all her family dearly and set a fine Christian example for them follow. Her hard work and determination to succeed despite the circumstances was encouraging and inspiring. All her children performed well and succeeded academically with 5 children having attended college and earning a Bachelors or Master’s degree.
Sara’s talents included writing, drawing, crocheting, and playing the piano. She enjoyed reading Christian-based novels, Good Old Days, Reminisce, and Country magazines. Her favorite television programs included: Dr. Pol, Forensic Files, The Voice, Little House on the Prairie and The Walton’s. Sara enjoyed listening to Christian music/Videos of most anything associated with Bill Gaither including: Mark Lowry, Guy Penrod, David Phelps, Buddy Green and Lynda Randle. Sara loved her cats. Tiger, an adorable tabby, was her faithful companion the past 2 ½ years and brought her much joy. She also enjoyed watching hummingbirds feed.
Some of Sara’s favorite Bible passages were: Psalm 1, Psalm 24, and Psalm 121. One of her favorite Hymns was Blessed Assurance.
Sara was proceeded in death by her husband, Clyde E. Nolen Sr., her parents: William Granville West Sr., and Eva Louise Hudspeth West; two brothers and three sisters-in-laws: Jack & Dorothy West; W.G. & Mary West and Idlett West.
Sara is survived by daughter, Deanna Rasmussen (Jay) of Danville, Indiana; son, Clyde E. Nolen Jr. (Maria) of Meridian, Mississippi; daughter, Eva J. Edmonds of Avon, Indiana; son, John Nolen of Ashland, Mississippi; son, David Nolen (Yolanda) of Millington, Tennessee; daughter, Reina Nolen of Hickory Flat, Mississippi; and brother, Ronald West of Snow Lake, Mississippi. Sara is survived also by her grandchildren: Danielle, Douglas, Charles, Cailen, Sarah, Wesley, Heather, Matthew, Solomon, and Joseph. Her great grandchildren are: Jaslynn, Beckett, and Aubrey. Sara’s surviving nieces and nephews include: William, David, Mary Lou, Lauralee, Linda, Ruth, Leslie, Earl, Faith, and Lou.
Services for Mrs Nolen will be held in the Chapel of the Holly Springs Funeral Home on Friday, October 29, 2021, at 3:00 pm, with a visitation beginning at 1:00 pm, and lasting until service time. Burial will be in Bluff Springs Cemetery. Pallbearers are William West, Leslie Nolen, Gary Edmonds, Jay Rasmussen, David Nolen, Charles Nolen, Wesley Edmonds, and Matthew Edmonds.
|