Sarah Elizabeth DeBurns

Sarah Elizabeth DeBurns, of Knoxville, TN, peacefully transitioned to her new home in glory on Friday, December 13, 2019, at Fort Sanders Regional Hospital in Knoxville. Her departure was sudden and unexpected to us, but not to her heavenly Father. He called her home on Friday to rest from her labor on this side of eternity. 

Sarah was born on October 14, 1936, in Fayetteville, GA, where she resided with her mother, Ms. Otie Bell Wright, before making Knoxville, TN, her home. She accepted Christ at an early age and served Him faithfully throughout her lifetime.  Sarah was a faithful, committed member of the Riverview Missionary Baptist Church in Lenoir City, TN, under the pastorage of her son, Anthony Cannon. She was also a former member of Greater Bush Grove Baptist Church under the pastorage of Eugene Carter and many others. She served faithfully at both churches in their usher, music, kitchen and mission ministries throughout her lifetime. She was also a member of the East Tennessee Mass Choir, Knoxville District Choir, Knoxville & Loudon Usher ministries and Vice President of the Eastern Region Usher Ministry. She also regularly gave of herself in the Tennessee Baptist Missionary and Educational Convention at the state and local levels.  She loved to travel to attend many state and district conferences and programs. 

Sarah was a dedicated, loving and supporting mother, grandmother, and aunt to her family.  And, she was a faithful and trusted friend to so many.  She retired from the First Tennessee Bank of Knoxville, TN, and formerly worked for various employers because she loved to provide and care for her family.  She was a member of the Austin High Class of 1955, the Red Hatters, and the Rogers Memorial Senior Club. Sarah loved walking, traveling, visiting sick and shut-in, sending greeting/get well cards, and was an avid QVC shopper.

Sarah was predeceased by her husband, William Carroll DeBurns, loving mother, Otie Bell Wright, supporting step-father Roy Wright, brother, Willie Murphy and sisters, Claudine Bell and Lillie Mae Johnson.

She leaves to cherish her memory four (4) children: Thomas (Anna Ruth) Favors, Douglas (Tanya) Favors, Roxanne Johnson and Anthony (Sybil) Cannon; special niece, Janie (Penny) Johnson and special nephew, Adrian (Tonya) Johnson; grandchildren, LaDonna and Thomas Agnew, Taneathia (Chris) Cowes, Shawn Walker, Christopher Johnson, Chelsey Jordon, DeMarcus, D’Naysha and Keltin Cannon; and many great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. 

Thursday, December 19, 2019, the family will receive friends 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. with a Home Going Celebration to follow at Greater Bush Grove Baptist Church, 1455 W. 4th Ave, Knoxville, TN 37921. Minister Nicholas Jones is the officiant and Pastor Eugene R. Carter, Jr. is the eulogist.  Interment will immediately follow at Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery, 5901 Lyons View Pike where a white dove release will conclude the service.  Flowers may be delivered to the church the morning of the home going.  Professional arrangements entrusted to Patton Funeral Home, Brian L. Buckmon, LFD 1-800-824-8283 or www.pattonfuneralhome1962.com 

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