Sarah Frances Ashcraft LaPrade

Tupelo-Sarah Frances Ashcraft LaPrade, at the wonderful age of 94, departed this life for her life in eternity from her Tupelo home on October 31, 2025 after a brief illness. Born in Pickens Co., Ala. to the late George Earnest Ashcraft and Eura Stokes Ashcraft, she graduated from Miss. School for the Blind in Jackson. She later attended MSCW (now MUW) in Columbus where she received a BA in Education. On Dec. 22, l957, she married Raymond Douglas "Doug" LaPrade in Columbus, a marriage of 54 great years until his death on July 9, 2012. Being visually impaired, she and Doug spend a lifetime working to bring a higher quality of life for the Blind and Visually Impaired. Doug was an Administrator for Mississippi Industries for the Blind and Sarah taught 35 ½ years at Miss. School for the Blind. Their joint contributions are still credited with enhanced services for the Blind and visually impaired in the State of Mississippi. After over 40 years living in Jackson for their jobs, the LaPrade's moved to Tupelo in 2008 with their only son, Brian. Having previously enjoyed worshiping at Woodland Hills Baptist Church in Jackson, they affiliated with Wildwood Baptist Church in Tupelo where she was still a member at her death. Sarah loved reading, traveling and spending quality time with Brian and his wife, Christina.
A service celebrating Mrs. LaPrade's long fruitful life will be held at 11:30 am Tuesday, November 4, 2025 in the Sadie Holland Memorial Chapel at Holland Funeral Directors-Tupelo with her pastor, Bro. Mike Sauvageot officiating. Visitation will be from 10:30-service time (one hour before) on Tuesday at Holland Funeral Directors-Tupelo which is honored to be serving their friends. For those unable to attend, the service may be viewed and heard at www.hollandfuneraldirectors.com/Live-streaming at 11:30 am Tuesday and will be archived thereafter. Ground burial, next to her beloved husband, Doug, with a graveside service will take place on Wednesday at Natchez Trace Memorial Park in Madison at 1 PM. Visitation will be 30 minutes at the cemetery prior to the graveside service.
Sarah is survived by her only son, Brian Laprade and his wife, Christina of Tupelo; a host of friends and other near relatives. Condolences may be made to the charity of your choice.
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