Mrs. Sara Catherine Arant Puckett

Sara Catherine Arant Windell Puckett of Charlotte, N.C. passed away at the age of 97 on March 11, 2015. Sara was born on July 8, 1917 in Pageland, S.C. to Mattie Evans Arant McGinnis and John H. Arant. Her mother moved to Charlotte a short time later, where Sara grew up and remained the res t of her life. She graduated from Sharon High School in 1934. After high school, she attended Carolina Beauty School and began her career as a cosmetologist, which lasted over 70 years. Sara married John T. Windell on Christmas Eve of 1940. During WWII, while John was over-seas, Sara worked as a Jeep driver at the Charlotte Ammunition Plant. At a War Bond rally, her picture was taken with Tyrone Power, who at that time was a Hollywood star..a priceless picture. God blessed Sara and John with four children who all still live in the Charlotte area. They were the light of her life and she never tired of bragging on their accomplishments; often exaggerated but completely believed by her. He last two children were identical twin boys born just one month short of her 44th birthday! She left for the hospital with a pink dress as she was told to expect a daughter. Needless to say, that call home at 3:00AM was quite a surprise to the rest of the family.

Sara’s second marriage was to Clarence S. Puckett on September 25, 1977. With Clarence’s two children, Don and Kay, it was a match made in heaven. Clarence, Kay and Don and the large extended Puckett family were always very dear to her. She then joined Williams Memorial Presbyterian Church in Long Creek where she was an active member for many years. She was also an active member of the Long Creek Order of the Eastern Star for over 50 years.

Words cannot describe what a truly remarkable woman Sara was. She never met a Stanger and with her positive outlook on life she always saw the good in others. Her house was always open to everyone, especially friends of her children; her mantra was “the more the merrier”. She truly loved life, family, and friends. Laughter and a sense of humor were a part of her daily life. She was considered by many one of the world’s greatest cooks. With every burner on high and the phone in her ear, the meal was fantastic and all came together right on time! She was a remarkable and loving wife, mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, friend, and neighbor. Sara was one-of-a-kind and was loved by all that had the privilege of knowing her. What a phenomenal woman! What a phenomenal life!

She is survived by daughters Fleta S. Windell and Kay P. Spero (Dom); sons John W. Windell (Debby), Terry H. Windell (Cindy), Jerry R. Windell (Lisa), and Don Puckett (Jan). She is also survived by sisters Edna M. Duckworth and Myrtle Chastain (Frank). Lastly, she is survived by seven grandchildren who referred to her fondly as “Grammy”: Katie W. Eggers, Kristen Windell, John Windell, Britney W. Cox, Austin Windell, Tanner Windell, and Lexie Windell; as well as three great granddaughters: Avery and Arden Eggers, and Sloan Puckett; and several nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, sister Johnsie K. Merritt, Clarence S. Puckett, grandson Ryan D. Puckett, nephew Larry Kiser, and John T. Windell.

Sara’s family would like to thank the staff at Charlotte Square and Hospice & Palliative Care, Charlotte Region for their loving care for the last seven years. A service honoring the life of Sara will be held at 2:00PM, Saturday, March 14th in the Paul Helton Chapel of Forest Lawn West Funeral Service, 4601 Freedom Drive. Visitation will be one hour (1-2PM) prior to the service. A private family graveside service will be held at Sharon Memorial Park immediately following. In lieu of flowers, send donations to Williams Memorial Presbyterian Church, 4700 Beatties Ford Rd., Charlotte, NC 28218 or Hospice & Palliative Care, Charlotte Region, 1420 E. 7th St., Charlotte, NC 28204. On-line condolences may be placed at www.forestlawnwest.com.

(704) 395-0055