Sarah Lee Strode Elliott

Sarah Lee Strode Elliott, 76, in the early morning hours of Friday, April 5th, was promoted to a new choir joining the Heavenly voices above. She was already familiar with ascension, having been born in an elevator, to J.R. and Betty Strode of Stanley, KY on April 22, 1947.

Sarah was raised in Stanley, KY on the family farm. She participated in 4-H showing Angus cattle for many years and winning a beauty title. Her faith was fostered early in life through Stanley United Methodist Church. She went on to lead voices in praise at many churches, finding her final church home at St. John United Methodist Church in Owensboro, KY where she directed the choir. Sarah felt both blessed and fulfilled of accomplishing her lifelong dream of singing at Carnegie Hall.

Sarah found great joy in being an Educator of the Arts. This passion was ignited as a student at Daviess County High School under the choral direction of Mrs. Shelia Miller, a lifelong mentor and friend. After graduating from DCHS in 1965, she went on to pursue her education at Murray State University earning degrees in Vocal Performance and Music Education, eventually attaining a Master’s Degree and Rank I in Education. She retired from the Daviess County Public School system after teaching Fine Arts and Music to all ages for several decades. Her dedication to her students flowed well beyond the walls of the classroom. She was present. Ms. Elliott shared laughter, tears, guidance and prayer with her beloved students. She shined as an authentic Educator, meeting students where they were and encouraging them to rise to their highest potential. She lived out “Always an Eagle Family” with love and compassion. In addition to her career in Education, Sarah was a “seller”. She thrived in helping people find just the right thing at Tri State Lawn and Garden and through her “side jobs” in retail and hospitality. Being the social butterfly she was, she heartily welcomed guests to Cracker Barrel and The Windy Hollow Biscuit House until the time of her passing.

Her favorite and most important "side job" was spending time with her grandkids, being their Nana. Traveling, adventuring, shopping, chauffeuring, cooking, creating, cheerleading, and teaching life lessons had an enduring impact on each of their lives. She beamed with pride when she talked about her grandkids, and if you ran into her, there was a good chance that she would find a way to brag about them.

“Sarah down at Stanley” was proud to be a part of her community. She was the founder of the annual holiday celebration, Stanley Celebrates Christmas, in order to honor, remember, and fellowship with her adored neighbors and friends. To her, Stanley meant family. Her house would always welcome the hungry, the tired, the glad and the sad; she would leave the lights on for you.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her brother, William (Bill) Curtis Strode, her son-in-law, DeVonne Clay Campbell, and the father of her children, Michael R. Elliott, grandparents, William Joseph and Lee Purdy Foster & Curtis Guy and Lela Lacey Strode and Golda Strode.

She is survived by her son, Michael Andrew (Stacey) Elliott of Owensboro, Ky.; three daughters, Ann Christy Elliott-González (Jose) of Louisville, Ky., Julia Lee Elliott Campbell of Stanley, Ky., and Sarah Jane Elliott of Louisville, Ky.; “Nana” to eight grandchildren - Michael Trent Elliott (Macie), Mia Elliott and Briggs, Soleila Elliott González, Samuel Elliott González, Olivia Campbell, Elliott Campbell, Rachel Campbell and one great grandchild, Maverick. She is also survived by her brother Richard Allen Strode (Karen), sisters-in-law Beth Strode, Doris Elliott Moss, and Joan Burgess (Roger) as well as loved cousins, nieces and nephews.

Arrangements are being handled by Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory, 900 Old Hartford Rd., Owensboro KY, where the visitation will take place between 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday, April 12, 2024.

St. John United Methodist Church, 2160 Griffith Ave. Owensboro, KY will receive family and friends on Saturday, April 13, 2024 beginning at 9:30 a.m. until the time of her celebration of life at 11:00 a.m. Her body will be laid to rest in Elmwood Cemetery in Owensboro, KY.

In lieu of flowers, please consider following her heartwarming example of feeding the hungry, clothing the needy, visiting the lonely, and adopting dogs from a shelter.

“And when the song is over and we’ve all said Amen, in your heart just keep on singing and the song will never end”…she sings because she’s happy, she sings because she’s free, His eye is on the sparrow, and He has our Sarah Lee.

Memories and condolences may be left for the family by visiting www.glenncares.com

The service may be viewed via livestream by clicking the link below.
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