Sarah Nell (Toots) Heustess passed away in the early morning hours of January 2, 2014.
She was predeceased by her parents, Arzo and Mary G. Smith; her husband, William Arthur Heustess; brother, Harvey Smith; sister, Frances Moore, who we just lost a month ago; brothers-in-law, William A. Knight and Louie Moore; nephew, Sport Smith; and her beloved dog Buddy.
She leaves behind a brother, Arzo Smith and his wife Clara Nell; their four children, Melissa Jones, Mike Smith, Carrie Brand and Carol Leon and their families, all of California. She also leaves behind a sister, Mary Lee Knight and her children, William Knight, Jr. and his family (PA), Sam Knight and his family (MN), Sally Knight (VA) and Ginny Spires and her family (VA). She also leaves a nephew, Dan Smith (WA) and his children in Virginia.
Sarah was born in Montgomery on September 22, 1928 and lived there all her life. She graduated from Lanier High School and went to work at Southwestern Bell until her marriage to Arthur Heustess. They had a long and happy life together. She and Arthur enjoyed travelling, birds and cooking, but most of all they loved clogging. This was their favorite pastime for many years. They also loved to take care of their nieces and nephews and we all have very fond memories of our time spent with them and the exciting trips we took.
Sarah also had a passion for Mah Jong when she was younger. She liked to crochet and sew and she made the most beautiful Barbie doll clothes for her nieces to play with.
She got interested in politics in later years and worked for several political campaigns. She then went to work for the Alabama State Legislature for a few years.
Sarah will be remembered with fondness by her family.
Her family also wants to thank the Baptist Hospital Hospice for its compassion and care of her in her last months. We appreciate everything they did for her.
Anyone who would like to make a donation in her name can give to the Arthritis Foundation .
A viewing will be at White Chapel Greenwood Funeral Home in Montgomery, AL at 1:00pm on Monday, January 6, 2014, with a graveside service following at 2:00pm in Greenwood Cemetery.
Published in the Montgomery Advertiser on Jan. 5, 2014