Sarah Wilson (Hodge) Wildes

Sarah Wilson (Hodge) Wildes, aged 102, passed away peacefully, on February 27, 2024, at The Arbors, an assisted-living memory care facility in Smyrna, Tennessee.

Born on November 12,1921, in Manchester Tennessee, Sarah was the daughter of John David, Sr. and Sarah Esabell “Belle” (Stephens) Hodge.

Sarah is survived by her son, Hartley Wildes Jr. (Nina), daughter-in-law Barbara Wildes, sister-in law Wanda Farris Hodge, grandchildren Jade Summers (Mark), Tina Wildes (Gavin Foster), Dona Rodriguez (Rod), Stacy Wildes,  great grandchildren, Paige Coffey, Ashlyn Jones, Corey Williams, James Puckett, Brooke Harmon, Tori Wildes, Maverick Calorio, Brooke Wildes, Zach Wildes, and  great great grandchildren Bray, Kalynne, Connor, Jocelyn, Abigail, John Waylon, Emelia, Natalie, Brianna, and Harper.

Sara is preceded in death by her husband Hartley Raymond Wildes Sr., son Gerald Douglas (Jerry) Wildes,  daughter Sierra Sue Wildes,  grandson Randall “Randy” Wildes,  great grandchild Chance Moore, siblings Blanche Delores Hodge, Edward Carmack Hodge, Mary Elora Hodge, Audra Bernice Hodge McNeese, Eula Bell Hodge, Henrietta Estelle Hodge Smith, Edith Marie Hodge Barton, Eunice Loyd Hodge Norris, Lois Curtis Hodge Rutledge,
Flora Wiilladene Hodge Howland, John David Hodge Jr., Raymond Washington Hodge, James Archie “Jim” Hodge, Mildred Omega “Meggie” Hodge, Tommie Lee Hodge, baby Hodge, William Collie Hodge and Robert Carson Hodge, her parents John David Hodge Sr. and Sarah Esabell Stephens Hodge.

After graduating from Tullahoma High School, Sarah ventured to Camp Forrest, where she worked at the commissary and met her husband, Hartley Raymond Wildes Sr., a military man. As a dedicated military wife and mother of two boys and a girl, Sarah embraced the nomadic lifestyle, traveling across states and venturing to Hawaii with her children. Upon Captain Wildes’ retirement from the Air Force in the 1960’s, the couple settled on a farm in Manchester, Tennessee, fulfilling Sarah”s dream of country living. She reveled in tending to her garden, sharing her bountiful harvest with others, and finding solace on her porch swing. She cherished the time that she had with her family, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

In 1967, Sarah earned her LPN license and embarked on a fulfilling nursing career, starting at Queen City Infirmary in Tullahoma, Tennessee. Known for her warm smile and encouraging demeanor, Sara touched the lives of countless patients, nursing home residents, and coworkers throughout her career.

Upon her retirement  in 1994, Sarah dedicated herself to caring for her husband until his passing in 1995. Despite the loss, she embraced new experiences, embarking on her first cruise and enjoying family trips to Dollywood. Her final years were spent at The Arbors, where she formed cherished bonds with staff and residents alike, finding joy in activities and outings. A woman of faith, Sarah found comfort in reciting Psalms 23 and accepted Christ as her Savior in her youth.

Sarah Wilson (Hodge) Wildes lived a rich and fulfilling life, leaving behind a legacy of love, kindness, and resilience. She will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Visitation will be held on Friday, March 8th, 2024 from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM at Coffee County Funeral Chapel. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, March 9th, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Coffee County Funeral Chapel with burial following at New Redden Cemetery in Manchester, TN. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to help fight Alzheimers with the Alzheimer's Association by following the instruction on the link provided click here

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