SARA FRANCES WHATLEY STEWART, 85, of
Houston, TX passed away on March 12, 2016.
She was born on June 13, 1930 to Sara G. Moon &
Arthur S. Whatley in Eastland, TX. Sara attended
Ranger High School in the Class of 1947 at Ranger,
TX & Ranger Jr. College.
As I look over the crowd I see so many people that
loved my mother, people that love me, and people
that love my mom and me. It brings me joy and
comfort seeing you all here honoring her. I'm
sincerely grateful.
I know this is supposed to be all about Mom, but
I want to talk about y'all for a minute. While
you are all very special, I would like to mention
a few people that are especially special to me.
My boyfriend and husband of 27 years, Barry Brown.
My mom's sister, and my aunt, Cora Beth Whatley
Carlson (RHS-1952). Most of you know her as CB.
Her brother, my uncle, Rick Whatley & his wonderful
wife Lori. Mom's niece, and my one and only cousin,
Kelli and her 2 beautiful children Jacob & Isabell.
Pat and Ron Kahl, who have been a Godsend to my
father, mother and me. If my family lived in the
area they would have done the same, but Ron and
Pat took us under their wings and made us a part
of their family. I truly believe they are the best
kind of people. It would be a wonderful world if
everyone was like them. So caring. They were there
from the beginning to the end of this terrible
disease, dementia. I can pin point the date when
we realized Dad, & then later Mom, were in serious
trouble. Ron & Pat helped us deal with every minute,
including taking Dad to dementia care in March 2010.
With the help of medications, we were able to get
him stable enough to move him over to assisted living
near Mom, after we moved her over the following Oct.
Pat and Ron continued to take them to plays, movies,
dinners, functions with friends, and all the things
they always loved, until Mom was no longer able to
get out of bed. Then they continued to visit her
until the very end. I cherish their friendship.
My co-workers that listened to and supported me
every day since June 2009. I'm not good at keeping
things in and they listened to every detail, often
many, many times.
I also want to thank the staff and residents at
Brookdale Shadow Lake. They were good to my parents,
especially Mom who lived there for over 5 years.
However, it was easy to be good to my mother. This
past week has been filled with wonderful memories
of her. I have had very emotional moments, but
mainly the time has been spent basking in her glory
because remembering her makes me so happy.
To know my mom was to love her. And she was known
and loved in so many ways.
First, my father. My father loved her more than
anything and she loved him as well. I'm sure they
had their ups and downs, but who doesn't in 60 years
of marriage. I don't think my Dad could have lived
without her, he would have been lost. I always
thought that when one died the other would quickly
follow. And had it not been for Mom's dementia I
believe that would have been the case. That was a
time when not having much of a memory was a blessing.
She thrived for another 3 years and we're all glad
she did!
By her children, Bill, Scott and myself, who had a
mother's love like no other, sweet, kind, accepting
and truly unconditional. We were so fortunate. As
an adult I can't remember even one argument with her.
She told me I looked pretty almost every time I saw
her. She and Dad both made me feel beautiful and like
I was the most insightful, intelligent person there
ever was.
She was loved by her family to who she was completely
loyal. I have a small family therefore we are tied
together closely. Although we see each other rarely,
we share so much love. I'm delighted to have a family
as good as mine, I always have been. I consider myself
very lucky and I know she did too.
By her friends, who she shared so many laughs with her.
She loved being around them and participating in all
the parties, lunches, dinners, the Clear Lake Bridge
Club and of course Recherché. Being with her friends
made her extremely happy.
And even by the people that only knew her briefly and
in passing. I was touched when I told the owner of the
nail salon I took Mom to every other Saturday, that
Mom had died. Her eyes filled with tears.
No matter how you knew my mom, you loved her. Her
wonderful personality, sense of humor, beauty, grace,
wit, sense of style and to always see things in a
positive light. Even when that was very difficult,
and there were those moments. She was silly and fun,
loved music and dancing, anything arts & crafts, had
a great sense of adventure, and was always willing
to try new things. No matter how different the people
were in her life, they were drawn to her. We all have
that in common.
There is never enough time. I would love to see her
in person one more time, to touch her beautiful face,
and to tell her I love her just one more time.