Sarah Carson

COMMERCE – Sarah Sue Bennett Carson, 89, died Saturday, March 27, 2010, at BJC Nursing Home after an extended illness.

Born in Athens, she was the daughter of the late Charles Lester and Eula Boggs Bennett. Mrs. Carson was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 59 years, Clarence L. Carson; brothers, Dr. Fred Bennett, Altus Bennett, Curtis Bennett; and sisters, Chloe Lumpkin Wiggins and Elizabeth B. Dempsey.

Mrs. Carson was raised in Madison, Ga., and graduated from Madison High School, continued her education at Georgia State College for Women where she received a bachelor of science in Home Economics, and began her teaching career in Home Economics at Swainsboro High School and also taught for two years at the Ila High School. She took 12 years off to raise three children and later renewed her teaching certificate in the field of elementary education at the University of Georgia. The remaining 26 years of teaching were at Ila Elementary where she taught seventh, fourth and third grades. She earned her master’s of elementary education, specialist in education and certificate in supervision at UGA. During her 30-year teaching career she was a member of many education organizations and in 1963 was chosen as Teacher of the Year for Ila Elementary. Mrs. Carson touched the lives of many children who attended Ila as well as the many student teachers she mentored. She was a longtime member of Mt. Hermon Presbyterian Church where she served as church organist, Sunday School teacher, held various positions in the Women of the Church, and assisted her husband in the upkeep of the church facilities and grounds.

Survivors include sons and daughters-in-law, Charlie and Judy Carson, Roanoke, Va., and Ken and Jackie Carson, Athens; daughter and son-in-law, Carol and Dick Perpall, Danielsville; grandchildren and spouses, Scott and Carol Carson, Todd and Nancy Carson, Michelle and Duane Cole, Christy and Shannon Murray, Suzanne and Phillip Griffeth and Ryan and Sara Perpall; seven great-granddaughters; three great-grandsons; and brothers, William Bennett, Englewood, Colo., and George Bennett, Miami, Fla.

Funeral services were held Monday, March 29 at Lord and Stephens Chapel, Danielsville with the Rev. Lance Snipes officiating. Burial was in Ila Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Ila Cemetery Perpetual Care Fund, Box 203, Ila, GA 30647 or to the Georgia Alzheimer Association, 1925 Century Blvd., Suite 10, Atlanta, GA 30345.

Lord and Stephens Funeral Home, Danielsville was in charge of arranagements.