Sarah Ann Carlan

Sarah Ann Johnson was one of 8 children blessing the union of C.W. and Ottie Dobbs Johnson. She was welcomed into the family on August 24, 1933 in the little community of Swediona close to Hamlin, Texas. Her great grandfather came from Sweden and helped establish the little school, church and other buildings there. She passed to her eternal life on Thursday, July 9, 2015 at the age of 81 years, 10 months and 15 days.
Sarah was a graduate of Hamlin High School. On March 22, 1951 Miss Sarah Johnson became Mrs. Paul Carlan in nuptials held at Hamlin, Texas. Paul and Sarah moved their family to Stamford around 1961. She kept children in her home, worked for C.R. Anthony Company and retired from Big Country Electric Coop following 20 plus years of employment. She also served on the Board of the VIP Senior Citizens Center. Sarah loved people. Some of her favorite things were being around people, laughing, bringing the love of God to others, teaching children and adult Sunday school classes. She taught Sunday school most of her life beginning at age 12 although her parents insisted she go to a class to be taught. Sarah was a faithful member of First Baptist Church in Stamford, Texas for 54 years where she taught one of the ladies Sunday School Classes for many years. She loved to play the piano and sing hymns. Her faith in Jesus was the foundation of her life and her faith in Him sustained her through her entire life. Sarah had a kind and gentle spirit and she was a joy to be around, she had a beautiful smile, kind words and encouragement to all she encountered. However, she was at her best and beamed like a brilliant star when she talked about her family whom she dearly loved and cherished.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Paul Carlan, her parents, and brothers, CW, Stanley and Harold Johnson.
Survivors include; two daughters, Debbie Dudensing and husband Glenn of Abilene, TX and Paula O’Neal and husband Randy of Amarillo, TX; one son, Charles Carlan and wife Phyllis of Abilene, TX; 4 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.
The family will gather in Sarah’s honor at a visitation from 4-6 p.m. Sunday, July12, 2015 at Tankersley Funeral Home 807 S. Columbia St. Stamford, TX. Funeral Services will be 2:00 p.m. Monday, July 13, 2015, First Baptist Church with Dr. Jacob West officiating. Burial will follow in Hamlin East Cemetery under the direction of Tankersley Funeral Home.
On-line condolences may be made at www.tankersleyfuneralhome.com.