Sara Francis Smith Koon

I lost my “Babe” of 61 years, which seemed to pass in a blink of the eye. We will be at a great loss without her. Sara was born in Chesterfield, South Carolina to her parents Jesse L. Smith and Olivia Eddins Smith.

Sara graduated from Chesterfield High School in 1957, where she played basketball and drove the school bus. Sara graduated from Columbia Hospital School of Nursing in 1960, passed her boards and became a registered nurse. She would later graduate from Columbia College with a degree in health sciences. Her first job was for a local physician and then Richland Memorial Hospital. After my company transferred me to Sacramento, CA, Sara worked at Mercy Hospital and after another transfer she worked at the Mercy Hospital in Atlanta, GA.

Sara was predeceased by our beloved daughter, Cindy Koon, on June 10, 2000 and her two brothers, Bill Smith and Jack Smith.

Sara is survived by her husband, Sanford ‘Sonny’ Koon; our wonderful daughters, Wendy Koon Weaks (James) of Mebane, NC, and Mindy Koon (Jimmy Houser) of Chapin, SC; grandchildren, Taylor Crews (Lauren), Chapin, SC, Ryan Weaks (Kirsten), Lynchburg, VA, and Hannah Weaks (John Hampton), Greenville, NC. She recently welcomed our great-granddaughter, Elena, Ryan and Kirsten’s first child. She is survived by her sister, Lynda Smith George, of the Lowman Home, White Rock, SC and nephew, Howard Smith (Connie), Chesterfield, SC. Sara is also survived by our loyal companion dog, Buddy.

Sara enjoyed most of everything, from working with her flowers, playing bridge, traveling with family and friends, but most of all being with her family making sure that they had everything they needed to be happy and successful. Sara was a member the “Newcomer’s Club of CA”, where she gained valuable lifelong friendships, she was a past member of Chapin Women’s Club, and a longtime member of St. Andrews Baptist Church.

-Sanford ‘Sonny’ Koon

A memorial service will be held at Caughman-Harman Funeral Home, Chapin Chapel, located at 123 Columbia Ave, Chapin, SC. Family and friends will gather on Sunday, August 18, 2024 at 2:00 PM.

Donations may be made to the Humane Society of SC, 405 Greenlawn Dr, Columbia, SC 29209 or a charity of one’s choice.