News Summary
Sara Grace Haskins Hilliard McTaggart, a beloved matriarch from Benton, Tennessee, passed away peacefully, leaving a legacy of love, education, and community engagement. Known for her vibrant spirit, Sara dedicated her life to her family and serving others. She had a rich educational career and contributed significantly to her community. Her funeral services are scheduled, with a request for donations to the Alzheimer’s Association in her honor.
Benton, Tennessee
Sara Grace Haskins Hilliard McTaggart, a cherished matriarch and beloved figure in her community, passed away peacefully on August 11, 2025, at the age of 92. Her death marks the loss of a strong family matriarch, with a life rich in love and service to her family and community.
Sara was born on December 7, 1932, in the Patty Community of Polk County, Tennessee. She was the twelfth of thirteen children born to David Calvin Haskins and Etta Pearl Vest Haskins. Throughout her life, Sara was surrounded by the love of her large family, which included numerous siblings and extended family members who will forever cherish her memory.
She was preceded in death by two husbands, Bennie Hilliard, Jr. and S.L. McTaggart, and her son, Donnie Ray Hilliard, PhD, of Montgomery, Alabama. Sara was also predeceased by the majority of her siblings, including five brothers and seven sisters.
Surviving Sara are her two children, Barry Douglas Hilliard of Montgomery, Alabama, and Carol Ann Hilliard Cederdahl of Knoxville, Tennessee. Other survivors include her daughter-in-law, Sherrie McFarlin Hilliard Kersey, of Lewisburg, Tennessee; her brother-in-law, Woody Hilliard of Crandall, Georgia; and sister-in-law Laura Haskins of Houston, Texas. She is also remembered by six grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
Education and Career
Sara’s early education was spent in Polk County, where she was a vibrant student known for her enthusiasm and leadership. During her time at Polk County High School, she served as President of the Junior Class, played on the first-string basketball team, and was a cheerleader. These early experiences shaped her into a community-oriented individual.
In 1950, she moved to Augusta, Georgia, where she began her career in education as a secretary in elementary and middle schools. Sara was dedicated to her profession, serving as President of the Richmond County Board of Education Secretaries Association for several years. Her commitment to education extended beyond her work in schools, as she actively participated in church activities, showcasing her musical talents with piano playing and her artistry through sewing.
Community Engagement
Throughout her life, Sara was known for her warm spirit and dedication to nurturing connections with others. Her involvement in various community and church activities left a lasting impact, earning her tremendous respect and affection among friends and family. The family expresses deep gratitude for the compassionate care provided by the staff at Knoxville Landing, where Sara resided for the past two years.
Funeral Information
Funeral services for Sara Grace Haskins Hilliard McTaggart will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, August 15, 2025, at Higgins Funeral Home. Following the service, interment will take place at Benton Memorial Gardens. Friends and family are invited to gather for visitation at the funeral home from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 14, 2025.
In honor of Sara’s life and legacy, the family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association of East Tennessee, located at 6025 Brookvale Lane, Knoxville, TN 37919. Expressions of sympathy can be shared through the family’s online memorial at www.HigginsFunerals.com.
The arrangements are being handled by Higgins Funeral Home of Benton, which has provided dedicated support to the family during this difficult time.
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Additional Resources
- Legacy: Victoria Smith Obituary
- Wikipedia: Obituary
- The Ledger: Recent Obituaries
- Google Search: Obituaries in Benton Tennessee
- Fox 13 News: Polk County Deputy Commits Suicide
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Obituary
- Des Moines Register: Recent Obituaries
- Google News: Benton Tennessee Community Obituaries
- Legacy: Mary Carpenter Obituary
- Google Scholar: Obituaries Tennessee
- Anders-Rice Funeral Home: Betty Kemp Wilson
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