Sara Jean Madison

Sara Sutton Madison of Sylva, NC passed away November 16, 2017. She was born October 8, 1931 in Six Mile, South Carolina.

Sara acquired a total of five degrees in her lifetime.  She obtained her Undergraduate Degree from Duke University in 1952; a Bachelor of Arts, and Master ’s Degrees in Education at Western Carolina University; a Master’s Degree in Journalism at Ball State University, and ultimately received her PhD in Education from North Carolina State in 1978.

She taught at Fort Bragg and at Spruce Pine Mayland Technical School and worked at WCU in administration for many years. 

Sara travelled the world with her husband Geologist, James A. Madison PhD, who passed away in December, 2015.  Sara’s deep love of education was only surpassed by the love she had for her family, friends, and the community of Sylva as well as her love of the mountains and culture of western North Carolina.

She loved books, learning, and writing; enjoyed cooking, reading, nature, animals and bird-watching. She was an avid historian and saw fit to keep many records including journals of her time in western North Carolina.

She was the granddaughter-in-law of WCU founder Robert L. Madison and subsequently wrote articles and spoke about her time living on campus there.

Sara regularly attended Cullowhee United Methodist Church.

She is survived by sons Mark Montgomery and Tim Montgomery; daughter-in-law Cheryl Montgomery; grandchildren Lindsey Miller and Haley Montgomery and grandson-in-law Cameron Miller.

A private memorial service will be held for close family and friends on Saturday, November 25, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. Sara’s wishes were donations in lieu of flowers to MemoryCare 100 Far Horizons Lane, Asheville, NC 28803 or go to www.memoryCare.org