Funeral services for Mrs. Sarah L. Hathorn were conducted at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2024, at Saulters Moore Funeral Chapel with interment following in the Prentiss Cemetery.  Rev. Kelly Wheat officiated.

Mrs. Hathorn, age 92, entered into the eternal rest of her Lord Saturday morning, Jan.13, 2024, at her home in Carson.  Saulters Moore Funeral was entrusted with arrangements.

The family received friends Wednesday morning, one hour prior to the funeral service, beginning at 10 a.m. at Saulters Moore Funeral Home.

Mrs. Hathorn was carried to her final rest by those serving as pallbearers.

They included Jimmy Hulsey, Tommy Hulsey, Scott Tingle, Greg Bullock, Joe Bullock Jr. and David Bullock.  Honorary pallbearers were John Paul Saulters and Dale Saulters.

Sarah L. Hathorn was born on Nov. 22, 1931, in Jefferson Davis County to Clarence and Gertrude Garner Smith.

A lifelong resident of Carson, she graduated from Carson High School, where she played basketball.

Mrs. Hathorn and her late husband, O’neal were married for 65 years and, interestingly, had been sweethearts since the fifth grade.

After the happy newlyweds’ marriage, they moved to Dallas, Texas, where they remained for several years.  Their daughter remarks that the couple made eight return trips back to visit Mississippi during their first year in Texas; she also quips that it was on one of these trips that her mother learned how to drive.

Not wanting to sit on the side of the road while her husband napped during the long trip, the young Sarah decided to test her driving skills-a new experience for her; she awoke her husband once she made it as far as Mesquite, Texas.

After settling in Dallas, Mrs. Hathorn served as an executive secretary for several years.

Always having a desire to experience the “farm life” and also be closer to grandparents, the family moved back to Mississippi in 1970.

Upon their arrival back, Mrs. Hathorn went work for the Jefferson Davis County Hospital as a receptionist and was later promoted to a medical transcriptionist.

In addition, she also worked for the Prentiss Motor Company, before joining her husband in opening their family business, Hathorn Grocery, which they owned and operated for 10 years.

One of her favorite past times was raising flowers in her yard.  With several beds of roses and gladiolus, she took great satisfaction in sharing her centerpiece arrangements with her church.

Mrs. Hathorn also possessed a nurturing spirit, and she created an atmosphere where everyone felt valued and cherished.

Preparing delicious meals for family and friends was one of her greatest pleasures.  With meticulous care, she would set a beautiful table adorned with her best china which overflowed with a variety of Southern delicacies, including her famous chocolate pie.   Mrs. Hathorn was a faithful member of Bunker Hill Baptist Church.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Hathorn is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 63 years, O’neal Hathorn; her grandson, Rhett Smith; her sister, June Bullock and her brothers, Clarence “Bud” Smith Jr. and Jeffie Smith.

Her memory will forever be cherished by her daughter, Dana H. Smith of Carson and her granddaughter, Bridget Adock of Brandon.

Online condolences and a guest registry are available at www.saultersmoorefuneralhome.com