Sara Givens

Sara Jane Brown Givens, at 79, entered eternal rest surrounded by her family and friends on Tuesday, September 10, 2024 at Fort Logan Hospital in Stanford, Kentucky, after a brief illness. Sara was born on November 6, 1944, in Lincoln County, Kentucky to the late Wallace Lee Brown and Louise Simpson Brown. Sara was the widow of the late Shirley Greene Givens.
Sara lived a life of service, dedication, love, and above all her relationship with God, her family, and her community. She accepted Christ at 9 years old under the pastorate of Rev. U. O. Johnson in revival at Boneyville Baptist Church, where she remained devoted and faithful until her death. She was an active member of the Boneyville Baptist Church, serving in various roles. As a Sunday school teacher, she enjoyed challenging individuals to learn by giving assignments and discussing with one another. She served as usher board president, church treasurer, and choir treasurer. She enjoyed singing in the adult choir and she would sing her favorite songs, "I'm Grateful That Christ is in My Life", "People Get Ready", and "Soon I Will be Done With the Troubles of the World".
Her love for music also extended to her participation in the annual South District Gospel Explosion Choir. She served as the President of the South District Missionary Auxiliary and currently serves as the Historian. Sara was honored to be asked to be the keynote speaker for the women's retreat, due to her health was unable to do so, but she continued to give God the glory.
Sara was employed at American Greetings Corporation for 45 years. She retired on her birthday on November 6, 2013, which surprised everyone as she had a perfect attendance record for several years. She also loved being an Avon dealer, where she visited with people in their homes, especially the older generation and reflected on history. She was also the author of Sara Note's in the Interior Journal which she enjoyed bringing hometown and church news to family and friends in the Stanford community and surrounding counties. Sara's notes were a reflection of her passion for people and her way to ensure that others were not left out. Sara was a member of the Celestine Number 9 Order of the Eastern Star. She also assisted with the Stanford MLK Day for the past 30 years.
Sara was the first African-American woman to serve on the Stanford City Council, breaking barriers and inspiring future generations. She served the city for 8 years. She served on the Executive Board member of the Lincoln County Educational Fund and the Stanford Housing Board. She was a member of the Democratic Women's Club, the Stanford Fort Logan Foundation, and a former member of the FEMA Agency. Sara was also a Kentucky Colonel, commissioned by the governor to recognize her for her services and accomplishments to her community, state, and nation.
Beyond her professional and community service, Sara held a deep love for her family and friends. She was the proud mother of Eric, Gregg, Dionne, and Kelvin Givens, who will carry on her legacy of faith, love, and service.
Survivors include three children, Eric Givens of Louisville, KY, Dionne Givens of Stanford, KY, and Kelvin (Anita) Givens of Cincinnati, OH; seven grandchildren, Lorenzo (April) Suter, Rachel (Phillip) Garrard, D'Nai Givens, Damion Givens-Ford, Kennedi Givens, MacKenzie Givens, and Nicholas Givens; five great-grandchildren, Kamryn Clayton, LaVante Suter, Myan Emberton, Maxwell Garrard, and Iris Garrard; one aunt, Irene (Ernest) Gooch; three siblings, Barthenia Brown, Gary (Pat) Brown and Laurie Burnside; a special nephew Darryl Brown; special friends Norma Thomas, Janette Napier, Dorothy Napier, Peggy Denham-Walker, Leslie Grey, and of course her "Golden Girls" – (Audrey, Barthenia, Patricia, and Pricilla); and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Shirley Givens; parents, Wallace and Louise Brown; one son, Gregg Givens; one sister, Phyllis Brown; and three grandsons, Zachary Givens, Nathaniel Givens, and Kalveron Jones.
Sara's life was marked by her unwavering faith, her commitment to her community, and her enduring love for her family. As we remember Sara, let us be reminded of her favorite verse, John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." To God be the glory for all that he has done in my life.
Visitation will be on Friday, September 20, 2024, at Grace Fellowship Church from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and the following morning from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The funeral service will be held on Saturday, September 21, 2024, at Grace Fellowship Church at 1:00 p.m. Burial will follow at Buffalo Springs Cemetery in Stanford.