Sara Lee Watson Courtney

Sara Lee Watson Courtney, 77, passed away holding her daughter's hand on Friday, Jan. 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 Dec. 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. Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Monday at the First United Methodist Church in Dermott with burial in Dermott Cemetery. Visitation 4-6 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Memorials to: Alzheimer's of Arkansas, 201 Markham Center Dr., Little Rock, Ark. 72205. Online guestbook www.stephensondearman.com.