Sara Beth Wilcox

Sara Beth Shands Wilcox passed away at the age of 90 on July 16, 2015 in Dallas, Texas.She was born June 17, 1925 in Forney, Texas to Ninus E. Shands and Elsie Sarah Holley Shands.In addition to her parents, Sara was preceded in death by her only sibling, Gene Shands; and three children—infant twins Robert Franklin and Gene Douglass Wilcox; and son Dennis Ross Wilcox.The father of her children, Robert Gene Wilcox, to whom she was married for 24 years, also predeceased her. Sara graduated from Mesquite High School in 1942 and then began attending SMU that same year; while at SMU, she joined Zeta Tau Alpha and was also recognized as an SMU Rotunda Beauty.She spent the majority of her life in Mesquite, a community in which her family was known as one of the original pioneering families, or “pillars of the community,” as some like to say.She was a long time member of the First United Methodist Church. “Sara Beth,” as she was most commonly known to close friends and family, was a gifted mother and homemaker.Few people can say they’ve had the opportunity to realize the dream of doing what they’ve always wanted…and then be honored for their success the rest of their lives; but Sara was able to do just that.She raised—or “reared,” as she preferred to say—four children, and spent countless hours seeing that her family was well fed and comfortable; she was fastidious about maintaining a beautiful and welcoming home. Sara’s children were her delight and she considered her role as “Mother” a noble calling.Her daughters learned how to sew, set a lovely table and write thank you notes; and her sons learned to be gracious to one’s host and to walk a young lady to the door.But what her children probably remember most about her are the hours she spent sewing a dance costume, hosting a team dinner, attending golf tournaments, football, basketball and baseball games, or driving a group of kids to cheerleading or twirling camps—she was always that “dependable and caring Mom.” Birthday lunches at the iconic Baker Hotel are just some of the stories about which Sara frequently shared over the years.With a keen sense of style and fashion, her daughters especially remember receiving tips on social etiquette and dining graces, and where fashion and style were only part of the allure of a trip to the Zodiac Room at Neiman-Marcus. Outside of caring for her family, Sara volunteered her time in the late 60s to serve as county co-chairman for the annual Easter Seals Society campaigns, a role she held for multiple years. Beginning in the 80s with her children needing less of her time, she pursued her love of stylish homes and went back to school to obtain a real estate license.She quickly began working for Henry S. Miller in Dallas and enjoyed the experience of being a realtor. Years later, Sara’s smile and friendly demeanor transitioned into an account management position at several banks in the Dallas area. Sara loved the Lord and wouldn’t fail to start her day with her daily devotional time with Him.She enjoyed Sunday school at The First Baptist Church, as well as the Bible Study Fellowship groups.Even as her health declined she continued the practice of lifting up the names of each and every child and grandchild to implore God’s protection over them.“Children are gifts from God,” she would often say. Over the last few years of her life, Sara was most content when the “kids and grandkids” gathered for weekly Sunday dinners in her home.The conversations and stories added to a lifetime of good memories.She loved anything chocolate, a good cup of coffee, and long chats by phone with family and friends. Those who knew her will long remember the twinkle of her smile and her bubbly personality that easily enlivened a room.Clearly, she will be missed. Sara is survived by her children— daughter-in-law Shirley Cooper Wilcox, daughters Jan Wilcox LaDue (Craig) and Lisa Wilcox Morris; son Winn Wilcox (Jana); eight grandchildren—Amy Wilcox Rowell (Tom), Jay Wilcox, Christopher LaDue (Megan), Amanda LaDue Pryor (Mark), Megan Shands Morris, Holley Morris Waughtel (Sam), Samantha Wilcox, and Jake Wilcox; eight great-grandchildren—Kieran Rowell, Asher Rowell, Brennan Rowell, Jackson Rowell, Myles Pryor, Mason Pryor, Coleman LaDue, and Sutton Olivia LaDue. The family wishes to express heartfelt appreciation to the staff at Loyd’s of Dallas for the gentle care and concern shown to her during the previous nine and a half months.