Sarah Nancy McKinney Kent

Sarah Nancy McKinney Kent, age 79, a native of Greensburg, LA, passed away on Thursday, August 15, 2024, in Hammond, LA. Sarah was born on November 22, 1944, in New Orleans, LA, to John Davis McKinney and Thadis Aline Craig McKinney. She graduated from Louisiana State University, where she earned a Master's degree in Social Work. She was a dedicated community advocate, serving on numerous local and state boards with a particular focus on mental health. Sarah was a respected figure in her community, known for her gift for making friends wherever she went. Her talent for storytelling was matched by her humor, often describing her own dialect as "fluent redneck, passable English." Sarah is preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Paula Kent Isturiz. She is survived by her daughters, Eudora Kent Smith and husband James Wylie Smith of Round Rock, TX, and Nancy Kent Hester and husband Roger Allen Hester of St. Francisville, LA; her son-in-law, Carlos Isturiz and wife Valerie MacLean Isturiz of Austin, TX; her grandchildren, Sarah Oneida Smith and husband Grayson James Oheim of Austin, TX, John Russell Isturiz and wife Lindsay San Martin Isturiz of Austin, TX, Gianluca Marzari of Austin, TX, Jessica Hester Pellerin and husband Dustin Michael Pellerin of Montegut, LA, Mattie Isturiz Neira and husband Manny Neira of Austin, TX, Travis Dale Hester and fiancé Maggie Sauter of Hammond, LA, and Danny Marzari and fiancé Miriam Montelongo of Austin, TX; her great-granddaughters Elle-Louise Aline Isturiz and Avery Rose Isturiz of Austin, TX; and her cherished friend and caretaker Eileen Sagely and Eileen's granddaughter Elena Petitto; along with many friends and extended family. The family also wishes to thank the staff at The Lodge at Tangi Pines. The family invites you to share stories and refreshments at McKneely Funeral Home in Amite, LA, on Saturday, August 31, 2024, at 9 a.m., with the memorial service to follow at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to honor Sarah's legacy by reaching out to others and fostering new friendships in your community. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.