Sarah C. Willis

August 20, 1941 - January 13, 2021

Sarah C. Willis, 79, of the Stone community of Jackson County, TN, passed away on January 13, 2021, at Cookeville Regional Medical Center in Cookeville, TN. Due to COVID 19, a celebration of life will be held at a later date. She was born August 20, 1941, in Jackson County, TN, to the late Johnnie E. Cassetty and Aulta Claudine Meadows Cassetty. She worked tirelessly in support of children with special needs. She was instrumental in the formation of the Special Education program at Tennessee Tech, was a leader of the creation of Tennessee’s Early Intervention System and state-wide programs to support those with special needs, and won Presidential awards for the work she performed. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by three brothers Bobby Cassetty, Sam Cassetty and Bill Cassetty. Survivors include 1 Son: Sean (Meichelle) Willis of Smith Grove, KY; 2 Daughters: Cindy (Keith) Benefield of Wiesbaden, Germany, and Elizabeth Smith of Riverview, FL; 6 Grandchildren: Marcus (Renee) Smith of Riverview, FL, Danielle Smith of Harrison Township, MI, Alex Smith of Riverview, FL, Brett Willis of Glasgow, KY, Andrew Riddle of Smiths Grove, KY, and Leah Willis of Glasgow, KY: 3 Great Grandchildren: Ezekiel Smith, Bane Huff and Declan Smith. 1 Sister: Connie (Bob) Gerregano of Nashville, TN; and 3 Brothers: David (Judy) Cassetty, George (Patsy) Cassetty, and Chuck (Jane)Cassetty. In lieu of flowers and gifts, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital by contacting the funeral home. Anderson Upper Cumberland Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. 931-268-1550