Sara Richkie Whitehurst

Sara Richkie Whitehurst, born February 1, 1909 to Nell and Louie Richkie passed away Wednesday, August 27, 2003 at her residence. As a member of the First Christian Church, Sara has taught Sunday School a total of 50 + years. She served in the worship, evangelism and membership departments, has served several consecutive terms as church historian and is a former chairman of the board of elders after being the first lady ever to be elected elder at the First Christian Church of Longview. Concern for the well being of others has led Sara to become active in such organizations as the Longview Family Counseling Center. She is a former board member of the East Texas Council on Alcoholism, Gregg County TB Association and Round-Up Club for young people. She is also a charter member of the Junior Service League of Longview Incorporated known as the Jr. League of Longview and served on the board of the Downtown Development Corporation. Sara?s great interest in Longview?s cultural growth is also evidenced by her active membership in such organizations as the Civic Music Association, the Community Concert Series, the Shakespeare Club, as a patron of the Longview Community Theatre, as a board member of the Longview Symphony League, and as a former member of the Longview Music Club. Sara is also a member of Phi Beta, a national music fraternity. Born in Longview, Sara has lived all her life here except for the time she spent away at Williams Wood College in Fulton, MO and the Eastman School of Music at the University of Rochester in New York. After earning her degree in public school music, Sara taught the second grade at Campus ward School for two years before marriage to her late husband Herman Whitehurst. Also preceding Sara in death were two brothers, Colonel Mack Heidtman and Henry Heidtman and a sister, Mary Richkie Finley. Sara is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Gayle Hansen and Dr. James Hansen of Burlingame, CA; granddaughters and their husbands, Lisa and Hugh Baca of El Dorado Hills, CA, Lauren and John Scherer of Danville, CA; one great grandson, Michael William Baca of El Dorado Hills, CA. , sister and brother-in-law, Rosa and Guy Lamb of Longview; nephews, David Lamb and Stephen Lamb, Timothy Heidtman, Frank Heidtman and niece, Lou Ellen Corones. A memorial funeral service will be held at 10:00 AM Saturday, September 6, 2003 at the First Christian Church with Reverend Phil Jones officiating. In lieu of flowers contributions to the Longview Symphony League, Hospice Longview, or to First Christian Church would be truly appreciated. Pallbearers in attendance will be David Lamb, Stephen Lamb, Hugh Baca, John Scherer, Tom Landers, Rusty Roberts, Robert Terrell and Lowell Holloway. Honorary pallbearers are Dr. Frank Jackson, Dr. W. D. Northcutt, Paul Johnson and LaFayette Herndon.

Sara Richkie Whitehurst

February 1, 1909 - August 27, 2003