Sarah Jim Wade, 89
January 30, 1936 – December 16, 2025
Verona – Sara Jim Thomason Wade was a woman of extraordinary accomplishment in her almost 90 years. She earned a PhD showing the world the value of lifelong learning and followed 4 generations of women in her family to earn a college degree, dating back to the 1800’s. She loved living on the edge, doing things most women of her age would not dare.
A devoted lover of the water and boating, Sara has owned countless boats in her lifetime as well as a yacht she kept at Pickwick Lake, a treasured place in her memories. She loved entertaining on the boat and would often winter for several months in Key West, Florida, where she had lots of lasting friends on the island who found her to be an erudite, adventurous woman. She was a master skier and a prolific swimmer. She loved nature, all animals and would take in every stray that came her way.
Sara had an effervescent personality, spoke her mind freely and independently and would tell you where to go if you didn’t like what she said. Yet, she was gentle and loving, especially to her children and grand’s, whom she thought “hung the moon and stars”. She loved entertaining, had a voracious laugh and often was the butt of her own jokes. Her deep rumbling voice was known and respected far and wide. Sara knew how to work, how to play and when to do either. She was employed 43 years with the North Miss. Medical Center, retiring as Administrative Director of the Pathology Lab.
Sara was born in the Ellistown area of Union County on Jan. 30, 1936, the only child to the late James Henderson Thomason, Jr. and Rosabel Purvis Thomason. She relocated to the Tupelo area 60 years ago where she quickly became a legendary figure and enormous presence in the lives of many people here. She loved young people, taking them on her boat, entertaining and occasionally having an “adult beverage.” Always optimistic and encouraging, she was always the engine and energy in any social situation she was involved.
Quick witted and clever, she seldom was surpassed as a lady who knew how to handle her professional life as well as balance work with entertainment. She was a traveler, having visited all 50 states and several foreign countries. Sports were important to her especially Ole Miss sports and particularly women’s basketball.
Sara pretty much did life “her way”. She was a devoted member of the Verona United Methodist Church where she was involved in many levels of the Church ministries. Every minute spent with Sara was a memory of a lifetime. She will be missed by her close knit family whom she would walk on “hot sands” for as well as so many friends she made over her long, fruitful lifetime. Well Done, Sara Jim!!!
A Life Celebration Service followed by toasts will take place at 2 PM Friday, Dec. 19, 2025 in the Sadie Holland Memorial Chapel at Holland Funeral Directors-Tupelo. Judy Harrison and Steve Holland will share memories. Holland Funeral Directors is honored to be serving their dear friends. For those unable to attend, the service may be viewed at hollandfuneraldirectors.com/Live-streaming at 2 PM Friday, 12/19, and will be archived thereafter.
Sara is survived by her daughter, Kimberly Rose “Kim” Wade of Tupelo and her son, John Smith Wade, Jr. of Blue Springs; 2 grandchildren, Callie Rose York of Baldwyn and Hunter Wade York of Princeton, New Jersey; a “boat” load of friends everywhere and her longtime special friend, Carron Sheffield. She was preceded in death by her parents, several aunts and uncles and other relatives.
Memorials may be made to the Verona United Methodist Church, P. O. Box 370, Verona, Ms. 38879 or to the Tupelo-Lee Humane Society, P. O. Box 2143, Tupelo, MS. 38802.
Please follow the funeral home link above for further information, or to send online condolences or memorial gifts.
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