Sarah Ellen Williams Koonce: Chadbourn
1936 – 2020
Sarah Ellen Williams Koonce of Chadbourn, entered into the presence of her Lord and Savior on Thursday, Jan. 2, at her residence. She was 83.
Sarah was born on April 17, 1936 in Boone, to the late Wilton Albert Williams and Edith Shirley Belk Williams.
She was the widow of Samuel Grady Koonce, Sr., who preceded her in 2003 and was also preceded in death by a daughter, Harriette Koonce Sparlin.
Funeral services were planned for 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 4, at Chadbourn United Methodist Church with Rev. Pat Inman and Rev. Tom Gore officiating, interment following in Chadbourn Memorial Cemetery.
Visitation will be held from noon to 1:45 p.m., prior to the service.
Sarah was a vibrant lady who impacted many lives. Upon her graduation from High School, she attended Meredith College. Sarah was a dedicated member of Chadbourn United Methodist Church, where she honorably served in many capacities, including church pianist, Sunday School teacher, and choir member. Sarah worked for many years, along with her husband, Sam, at Koonce Drug Store. Upon her retirement, she volunteered at the Care & Share Food Bank, Habitat for Humanity, and also volunteered for the Lower Cape Fear Hospice Center.
Survivors include three sons, Sterling G. Koonce and wife, Caroline of Tabor City, William Edward Koonce and wife, Lesley of Forest City, Dr. Samuel G. Koonce, Jr. and wife, Kay of Murrells Inlet; siblings, Sybil W. Pope of Angier, Dr. Larry Williams and wife, Dottie of Benson, Samuel Williams and wife, Sheila of Siler City; grandchildren, Jaclyn McKenzie Koonce, Mary Grayson Koonce, Elizabeth Koonce, Sarah Beth Koonce Munson and husband, Cody, Lindsay Koonce Helton and husband, Chip, John Hiatt, Elliott Koonce and wife, Courtney; two great-grandchildren, Neal Koonce & Grady Koonce.
In lieu of flowers, family request that memorials be addressed to the Samuel G. Koonce, Sr. Memorial Fund c/o Southeastern Community College Foundation, Inc.- PO Box 151, Whiteville, NC 28472 or to Chadbourn United Methodist Church- 300 E. 2nd Ave. Chadbourn, NC 28431.
A guest register is available here.
