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Sara Elizabeth Gotcher
Sara Elizabeth Gotcher
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Sara Gotcher Obituary
A native Clarksvillian, a 1976 graduate from Clarksville High School, a 1981 graduate of the Department of Speech, Communication and Theatre at Austin Peay. She earned her MFA at the University of Florida and her Ph.D in theatre at LSU. She earned her Actor's Equity card and worked in professional theatre in the southeast before returning to Austin Peay to teach. She retired from APSU after 25 years of teaching.
She loved the performing arts. She directed and acted in numerous productions at APSU and the Roxy. She brought laughter and tears to thousands of audience members.
She is survived by her husband of 42 years (Mike), her children Jessie Gregg (Daniel) and Samantha Gotcher (John Bosworth), one grandson Elijah Fritz Gregg.
In leiu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Tennessee Epilepsy Foundation (https://www.efeasttn.org/donate-here.html).
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Jeff Michehl
February 4, 2023
Mike, Jessie, and Sammy, so sorry for your loss. I know it's been a battle, but she's in a much better place now, where we all long to be with Jesus one day soon. Love you guys!
George L. Mabry
February 2, 2023
Sara was a colleague of mine for many years at Austin Peay. We collaborated on many musical/theatrical productions during our tenure. Sara's creativity blossomed as an actress, director and dramaturgist. She was equally at home with comedy or drama. The last project we worked on, prior to my retirement was the 75th anniversary show for Austin Peay called "Memories, Milestones and Mischief." She brought the house down with her portrayal of an APSU maintenance worker who ws a proud parent of a soon-to-be graduate of the Austin Peay. Her monologue was a special moment in the theater that I will never forget. I know that Sara's love and devotion to her art will continue to be manifested in the lives of the hundred's of students she influenced.
Jill (Boenau) Smith
February 1, 2023
I have such great memories of growing up with Sara as a friend. Her great intelligence, artistic nature, and her wildly wicked humor simply saved me senior year. Nothing like having a friend who can make you laugh until you cry. Thanks for the memories beautiful Sara!
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Maggie Tumiotto Jackson
February 1, 2023
I remember when I was too overwhelmed to get a Chron. & Con. paper in on time, I wrote an email to Dr. Gotcher explaining that I didn´t mean to disrespect her by not turning in the paper-that I was simply drowning in the academic ocean. I remember feeling so guilty and ashamed, and afraid she would think it was because of her and not me. Many educators would have used this as an opportunity to show me that my failure to manage should have consequences, and that there are no second chances. When she had my fate (and my self-worth) in her hands, she granted me an extension enough to finish the paper and turn it in. I carry a fair bit of academic trauma, and this is one of the few memories of academia I have that makes me feel truly safe when I remember it. Thank you, Dr. Gotcher, for deciding the lesson you´d teach me is that compassion speaks louder than consequence.
Jody
February 1, 2023
I miss my loving little sister. Hold loved ones close while you can.
Allison Hughes
February 1, 2023
Jessie, I have never met your mother but I understand how hard it is to lose a parent. Please know that she is watching you everyday and is so proud of you. From her obituary above it seems like she lives an incredible life. A love of the arts is a love that is indescribable.
May she Rest In Peace and know how much of a difference she made in this world. My prayers and love are with all of the family.
Billie Brownell
February 1, 2023
I am shocked and so sad to hear this news. Sara was a wonderful person.
Pollyanna
February 1, 2023
A sweet memory- although we are smiling, Anna Filippo and I had just finishing bawling our eyes out because Mike and Sara were leaving to get their PhDs in Florida.
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