Sarah Robinson Whitten

In Loving Memory of Sarah Robinson Whitten February 6, 1939 – July 10, 2026

With hearts full of love and gratitude, we celebrate the life of Sarah “Grand” Whitten —a beloved mother, grandmother, teacher, faithful Christian, and friend whose kindness, strength, and generosity left the world a better place.

Born on February 6, 1939, in Shreveport, Louisiana, Sarah was a true Southern lady with a generous heart, a quick wit, and a gift for making everything lovely. She grew up in Jonesboro, Louisiana, raised her own family in Germantown, Tennessee, and spent the last 23 years of her life in Franklin, Tennessee, where she continued to build treasured friendships and create wonderful memories.

Sarah was preceded in death by her father, Dr. George H. Robinson; her mother, Jatis James Robinson; her sister, Jatis Robinson Whitten; her special aunt, Myra Carter; and her second husband, Judge Leon Whitten.

She leaves behind the family she loved beyond measure: her son, Judd Harnage (Michele); her daughter, Leslie Cuevas; and three grandchildren who were the joy of her life—Tanner Harnage, Wyatt Harnage, and Madison Cuevas. Nothing made her smile quite like being their "Grand." She also leaves behind very special nieces Laurie Whitten James (Robbie) and Katie Whitten-Julazadeh (David) and a nephew Rob Whitten (Abby).

Sarah devoted her career to teaching elementary school, where she nurtured not only young minds but young hearts. Teaching wasn't simply her profession—it was her calling. Over the years, she changed countless lives, including courageously preventing the kidnapping of one of her students and helping rescue another child from an abusive home.

She stopped teaching when her children were small and became a stay at home mom. Being a mother was Sarah's greatest joy. Whether serving as PTA president, room mother, team mother, or volunteering wherever she was needed, she never missed an opportunity to support her children and their friends. She showed up with love, enthusiasm, and an unwavering belief that family always came first.

Sarah lived a life full of adventure and resilience. She traveled the world, collected stories, and faced every challenge with remarkable courage, including surviving breast cancer. After her kids were grown she, along with her husband Leon, built and opened a beautiful nursing home in Louisiana - Forest Haven. She believed wholeheartedly in one of her favorite sayings: "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade." She didn't just say those words—she lived them.

She found happiness in life's simple pleasures: cheering on the Tennessee Titans with a heartfelt "Titan Up!," listening to country music, tending to beautiful flowers, taking walks, traveling to new places, and ending the day with a glass of wine shared among dear friends. Sarah was blessed with lifelong friendships in every place she called home, and those friendships were among her greatest treasures.

Sarah's faith in Christ was the foundation of her life. She was a devoted member of First Baptist Church in Jonesboro, Louisiana, First United Methodist Church in Germantown, Tennessee, and Forest Hills United Methodist Church in Brentwood, Tennessee. Her faith guided the way she loved, served, and cared for others. She treated people she encountered—with compassion and abundant generosity.

While her family will miss her every day, they are comforted by the countless memories she leaves behind, the values she instilled, and the love that will continue to bind them together. Her life reminds us that the measure of a person is found in the lives they touch, the love they give, and the stories they leave for others to tell.

Sarah's story was a beautiful one, and it will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know and love her.

"Well done, good and faithful servant." — Matthew 25:23

There will be a Drop-By Visitation / Celebration of Life at Franklin First United Methodist Church on Monday 7/13/26 from 3:00pm to 6:00pm. (Use the entrance closest to Mack Hatcher Pkwy). There will be a private family burial on Wednesday 7/15/26 in Jonesboro, LA

In lieu of flowers, please donate to The Gary Sinise Foundation.