Sarah Childress Dobbins

Sarah Childress Dobbins

August 21, 1924 - December 27, 2023

Charlotte, North Carolina - Sarah Childress Dobbins, our beloved mother, went to Heaven, December 27, 2023. She was 99 years old. She was born in Spartanburg, SC on August 21, 1924. She attended Spartanburg High School where she met her future husband, John Paul Dobbins. He enlisted in the Army for WWII and they got married in 1943 before he left for the war. After he returned from the war, he graduated from Clemson University and was commissioned as a military officer and they went on to travel the world during their 34 year military career. In those early years she worked at a bank and then as a secretary at a fort. Sarah was the consummate military wife. She served as a Grey Lady in the military hospital, the Red Cross, Sunday School teacher, VBS teacher, youth group leader, school volunteer , Officer's Wives Club, Army Thrift Shop volunteer, and many committees.

She supported his career while raising their two daughters and keeping a warm home. Every time they moved (almost every 2 years) she was in charge of organizing, packing, and relocating. She was a brave woman who endured long absences maintaining "the fort at home" while her husband served in three wars: WWII, Korea, and Vietnam. They loved every place they lived (including Hawaii, Colorado, Germany, New Jersey, Washington, DC, Alabama and many more) and met many friends along the way.

Sarah is survived by her two daughters, Paula Dobbins and Pam Kentner (husband, Jeff Kentner), two granddaughters, Beth Brinkman (husband, Chip Brinkman) and Tracey Wooster (husband, Dr. Ben Wooster) and four great grandsons, Banks Brinkman, Bo Brinkman, Wes Wooster and Will Wooster. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Col. John P. Dobbins, sister Barbara Ulevich, and her parents.

Her family would agree that Mom was something special. She was always smiling and will leave a beautiful legacy. Christ was her strength as was her family. She taught us what a parent should be and led by example. We will miss her fiercely.

We would like to thank each and every staff member at the Stewart Health Center at The Cypress of Charlotte for their loving care and kindness. We would also like to thank Robyn Massey McCain for her years of loving care and her friend Ebbie Bailey for her love and friendship. And finally, we would like to thank Jayne Foehrkolb, her niece, for all her loving care and support.

Sarah will be buried with her husband at Arlington National Cemetery. A donation in her honor can be made to Wreaths Across America.org.

Arrangements are under the direction of Hankins and Whittington Funeral service, 1111 East Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28203.

Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guestbook at www.HankinsandWhittington.com.