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Sara Jane Givens, 79, of Stanford, KY passed away on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, at Ft. Logan Hospital in Stanford surrounded by family and friends. Born on November 6, 1944, in Lincoln County to the late Wallace Lee Brown and Louise Simpson Brown. She is the widow to the late Shirley Greene Givens.
Sara lived a life of service, dedication, and love, valuing above all her relationship with God, her family, and her community. She graduated from the former Lincoln High School in 1963 and then began her journey through life. Sara dedicated 45 years of service to the American Greetings Corporation, where she displayed the same diligence and commitment she showed in every aspect of her life. She was a devoted member of the Boneyville Baptist Church, serving in various roles such as choir treasurer, church treasurer, usher board president, and former Sunday school teacher. She served as the President of the South District Missionary Auxiliary and currently serves as the Historian. She also serves on the Stanford Housing Board. Her love for music also extended to her participation in the annual South District Gospel Explosion Choir. Sara was also the first African-American woman to serve on the Stanford City Council, breaking barriers and inspiring future generations. Of all of her endeavors, most importantly she is a child of the King! Beyond her professional and community service, Sara held a deep love for her family and friends. She was the proud mother of Eric, Gregg, Dionne, and Kelvin Givens, who will carry on her legacy of faith, love, and service.
Survivors include three children, Eric Givens of Louisville, KY, Dionne Givens of Stanford, KY, and Kelvin (Anita) Givens of Cincinnati, OH; seven grandchildren, Lorenzo (April) Suter, Rachel (Phillip) Garrard, D’Nai Givens, Damion Givens-Ford, Kennedi Givens, MacKenzie Givens, and Nicholas Givens; five great-grandchildren, Kamryn Clayton, LaVante Suter, Myan Emberton, Maxwell Garrard, and Iris Garrard; one aunt, Irene (Ernest) Gooch; three siblings, Barthenia Brown, Gary (Pat) Brown and Laurie Burnside; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Shirley Givens; parents, Wallace and Louise Brown; one son, Gregg Givens; one sister, Phyllis Brown; and two grandsons, Zachary and Nathaniel Givens.
Sara’s life was marked by her unwavering faith, her commitment to her community, and her enduring love for her family. As we remember Sara, let us be reminded of her favorite verse, John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
Visitation will be on Friday, September 20, 2024, at Grace Fellowship Church from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and the following morning from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The funeral service will be held on Saturday, September 21, 2024, at Grace Fellowship Church at 1:00 p.m. Burial will follow at Buffalo Springs Cemetery in Stanford.
Grace Fellowship Church, 2294 US-27, Stanford, KY 40484.