Sarah Jereline Thompson , affectionately known as "Nanny," gained her wings on June 5th, 2024. She was born to the late Edward Samuel and Katie Brown on January 25th, 1931, in Spotsylvania, VA. She is preceded in death by her husband, Roosevelt Buddy Garnett Thompson; sisters, Hilda Turner Regina Samuel, Hazel Samuel, and Dorothy Minor; brothers Emerson Samuel, Russell Samuel, and James Samuel.

Sarah graduated from John J. Wright School in Spotsylvania, VA. Upon graduating, Sarah's work history consisted of various jobs with Mary Washington College, G and H Manufacturing, and Fredericksburg City Schools until she retired. Sarah continued working and expanded her career to the Fredericksburg Rescue Squad as the first female African American responder. She loved being on duty and running calls. Once she retired from Fredericksburg Rescue, she began an in-home daycare where Nanny didn't just babysit; she raised children as her own, who called her "Nanny."

Nanny was a woman of strong faith in God. She attended Second New Hope Baptist Church at a very young age. She later joined The Church of God of Prophecy, until she became a member of Third Mount Zion Baptist Church, where she loved singing in the choir.

Nanny loved God and singing. She was a member of the Inspirational Gospel Singers. You heard them on the local radio station (WFVA). Once the group members moved on to other endeavors, she was the Executive Assistant for The Church of God of Prophecy's Adult Choir. Her daughters formed the Fredericksburg Community Choir (formerly known as the Church of God of Prophecy Community Choir), where she made the Mississippi Mass Choir proud every time she sang "They Got The Word." Nanny passed down her love for music and singing to her family. Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. They continue her legacy and sing at local churches, as "The Family."

One of Nanny's favorite lines in the song was, "I'm gonna walk up and down the street, paved with gold..." As time progressed, Nanny's ability to walk became difficult; she often sat on her "Caddilac" rolling walker and sang about "having a good time." She would say, "Wait 'til I get there!" She sang to the Glory of God.

Nanny was the most precious to her family and enjoyed gatherings where she cooked her famous potato salad and sweet potato pies. She valued being a mother, grandmother, great- grandmother, aunt, cousin, and friend.

She leaves to cherish her memory her three daughters, Twanna, Regenia (Maurice), and Demetrice (Anthony); grandchildren, Dennandoe (Jessica), Tawan, Robyn (James), and Tyshawnda—Grandchildren, Israel, Mckenzie, Jamin, Elijah, and Camerynn. A host of special nieces and nephews that meant the world to her, along with cousins and friends, she considered family—a special friend, "Shirley P.," and her close neighbor, Teresa Cole.

Sarah was Nanny to every single person she came in contact with.

"She never met a stranger. Every person in the world, to her, was just a friend she hadn't met yet."

A viewing will be held at A.L. Bennett and Son Funeral Home on Monday, June 17, 2024, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM and one hour before the funeral service. A funeral service will be held at Third Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 9132 Fredericksburg Turnpike, Woodford, VA 225580, on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, at 11:00 AM. Click here to view the funeral service program. The interment will follow at Glen Haven Memorial Gardens.