Sarah Evelyn Willingham Whitt, 91, passed peacefully surrounded by her family on May 18, 2026. Sarah was preceded in death by her parents, George and Jewell Willingham, her sister, Christine Smith, and her son, Joe Whitt, Jr. She is survived by her children, Jamie Whitt, Jewell Leigh Whitt Schumacher and son-in-law Daniel Schumacher; 10 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
Born in 1935 in the Pleasant Grove community of Limestone County, Sarah went to many different schools as her father traveled for his work supporting World War II and later as a minister. Settling in Ardmore, Alabama, she graduated as Valedictorian of Ardmore High School in 1953 and later married Joe Whitt, Sr. She worked 42-years on Redstone Arsenal where she became a charter employee of NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. She served as an administrative assistant and later a configuration manager to members of the German rocket team and other engineers and co-workers who became like family. She witnessed historic moments in American space exploration, including the Mercury-Redstone flight and the launch of Apollo 11.
Sarah was a faithful member of Piney Grove Baptist Church where she taught Sunday school, drove the church van, served as the pianist in her early years, and organized the 150-year celebration of the church. The senior ladies’ class at the church was lovingly named “The Class of Jewell” in honor of Sarah and her mother, Jewell. In her adult years, Sarah took college courses, including Greek to deepen her understanding of scripture.
Sarah was known for her sharp wit, storytelling, Southern cooking, and the ability to make everyone around her feel welcomed and loved. She especially cherished time spent with her family, passing down traditions, stories, songs, and encouragement that will continue for generations.
A celebration of life will be held for family and friends on May 21st at Piney Grove Baptist Church. Visitation is at 9:30 am with a service following at 10:30 am. In addition to any flowers, donations may be made to the Piney Grove Baptist Church Building Fund.
