Sara T. Cason

On September 26, 2011, Sara Frances Tibbs Cason passed from this life into the arms of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ at the age of 95 years and 11 months. Sara was born on October 31, 1915, in Temple, Texas. She was the second of three daughters born to George and Frances Elizabeth Tibbs.When she was 8 years old, during a revival service with Reverend Driggers, Sara made the decision to believe and accept God's plan for salvation and become a follower of Jesus.

Sara graduated from Cleburne High School in 1933. She continued her education at Baylor University, graduating in 1936 with a degree in business education. During the years that Sara and both of her sisters were at Baylor together the three were known as "The Tibbs Sisters". Sara began teaching in Cleburne ISD in 1936. She was the faculty sponsor of the Cleburne High School 1939 Senior class. While at Baylor Sara met and fell in love with law student Noel Dickson Cason. They courted on the beautiful Baylor campus and were married on August 26, 1939. The Casons lived in Florida until moving to Midland in 1946. They joined First Baptist Church where she and Noel taught in a young married Sunday School department. Sara began teaching in the business department at Lee High School when it opened in 1961. She became the VOE Teacher-Coordinator in 1967 and was appointed Chairman of the Business Education Department in 1973. Sara received her master's degree in business from Texas Tech University in 1967. She was given many awards for being an outstanding teacher, and retired in 1981 at the age of 66. Upon retirement Sara had time to travel and went on mission trips to the Philippines, Yugoslavia, Costa Rica, Jamaica, and Brazil. Sara was also able to visit Europe and the Holy Land. She especially enjoyed leading mission trips of Acteen girls and helping them experience the joy of sharing their faith with others. Sara felt God calling her to serve as a foreign missionary when she was 13. Although she was never able to actually serve full-time overseas, her call was lived out as a teacher and a church volunteer, ministering to many through the years. She began to serve her church as the director of Woman's Missionary Union at First Baptist Church at the suggestion of her pastor, and continued in this ministry for 17 years. Throughout her life, faith and family were her focus. She loved the Bible and read and studied it regularly. She also loved her local church and her pastors. Sara taught Bible studies at Trinity Towers, and at Casa de Amigos until she was 85 years old. She also loved leading the WMU Round Table ladies book club each month. One of her most powerful ministries was as a prayer warrior. For many years Sara faithfully spent specific hours in the FBC Prayer Room lifting up the needs of others to the Lord. Supporting missionaries through prayer was her privilege. The ministry of the prayer room was dear to her heart. Her family was very important to Sara and she was faithful to pray for them. She loved spending time with her children and grandchildren. "Gan" loved getting phone calls, notes and photos in the mail. Each year she sent her family an annual letter, usually around Easter, always offering them encouragement in their walk with the Lord. Sara's church family was an important part of her life. Many lives crossed hers through ministry and strong bonds of love were formed. Her spirit and zest for life brought pure joy into the lives of those who knew her. She mentored many young women and that legacy lives on today in their lives.

Preceding her in death were her parents; her husband, Noel Cason; son, George T. Cason; daughter, Carol Cason Milburn Kirtley; and her sisters.

She is survived by a son, Noel Dickson Cason, Jr. and his wife Mary of Boca Raton, Florida; daughter-in-law Anita Cason of Colorado; eight grandchildren, Chris Cason and wife Shannan of Florida, George T. Cason and wife Roxanne of Georgia, Julie Cason Adrian and husband John of Colorado, Gina Cason of Louisiana, Douglas Milburn and wife Tanya of Texas; Adam Milburn and wife Candice of Texas, Jerry Milburn and wife Heather of Idaho, Catherine Milburn Roy and husband Jerry of Washington; 13 great-grandchildren; beloved nieces and nephews; and a host of dear brothers and sisters in Christ!

The family would like to express gratitude to the owners and staff of the Yellow Rose Home for the wonderful care provided to Sara the last four plus years. They also appreciate the care provided by the Home Hospice staff.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, September 29, 2011, from 5:30-7:00pm at Ellis Funeral Home. A Celebration of Sara’s Life will be held on Friday, September 30, 2011 at 2:00pm, First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall. Honorary pallbearers are Sara’s grandsons and the deacons of First Baptist Church. Condolences may be made at: www.ellisfunerals.com.

The family requests that memorial donations be made to The Midland Baptist Crisis Center, PO Box 2382, Midland, Texas, 79702 or First Baptist Church Arise and Build, 2104 West Louisiana, Midland, Texas 79701.