Sarah Idell Whitson
Sarah Idell Whitson was born on February 25, 1921 in Youngstown, Ohio. She was the youngest of three children born to John Sr. and Sarah LeCote. At age 19 she met and married Leonidas Whitson. Out of that union was born two daughters, Winona and Leona.
Sarah loved people and worked as a licensed practical nurse, beginning her career in Cleveland, Ohio at Polyclinic Hospital. Wanting to be closer to her daughter, Winona, she moved to Tacoma in 1967 where she continued her nursing career at St. Joseph and St. Francis Hospitals until she retired.
Some will remember Mom as a business woman selling Avon and also her hand knitted and crocheted items under the label of The Hook and Needle Boutique. She was very thoughtful in sending greeting cards for every occasion and many have been blessed with her crocheted and hand colored cards.
During her faithful years as a member of St. John Baptist Church, Mom found ways to reach out in loving service to many in the church and her community. She enjoyed crocheting baby blankets for the newest members of the St. John family, gathering school supplies for needy children, regularly purchasing food staples for needy families and collecting and recycling pop cans to aid the St. John building fund.
She loved to travel and after learning to drive at age 50, she drove alone across the country to visit her brother in Cleveland. Mom had the opportunity to visit Hawaii twice with daughter, Winona, and also traveled with her family to Mexico and Canada.
Going to her heavenly reward on June 29, 2018, she leaves behind Daughter Winona Delaney, Son-in-law Otis Delaney, Granddaughter Stephanie Delaney (Gavin Smith), Great Grandson Gabriel Smith, Granddaughter Nicole Williams, Great Granddaughter Phillysha Cottrell, Grandson Anthony Delaney (Jessica), Niece Patty Jean Kendrick and Nephew James Saunders. She is preceded in death by her Husband Leoni-das, Daughter Leona Hunter and Granddaughter Kristin Delaney.