Sarah W. Winn

Sarah Armour Woolwine Winn, 99 ½, passed away peacefully in her sleep on the evening of March 26, 2024. Sarah, retired Librarian from Dewey Public Schools, was the wife of retired Bartlesville Public Librarian, H.E. “Gene” Winn.

    Sarah was the fourth child, born on September 6,1924, to Earl Glenn Woolwine and Sarah Armour Neighbors Woolwine. Her mother died when she was 2 ½ and the children were sent to live with their maternal grandparents. In 1929 her father married her “2^nd mother”, Ruth Boyd Dowell. They lived in Mobile, Alabama and welcomed 2 more children. When Sarah was 12, the family moved to Nashville, TN. She attended public schools, played violin, and taught swimming at the local YWCA.

    Sarah graduated from George Peabody College (now Vanderbilt University) with a B. A. in English Literature in 1945. She was immediately offered a job as Librarian at Sewanee Military Academy in Sewanee, Tn. The first three summers were spent obtaining her Masters degree in Library Science.   The summer after her 4^th year, Sarah went to work at the New York Public Library, where she lived at the Barbizon Hotel for Women. During the school year she also taught Lifesaving to the Cadets. She was then hired as Librarian for the University of the South in Sewanee, TN.

     On August 23, 1950, Sarah married Gene in Nashville. Sarah taught 3^rd grade at McCann Elementary School while Gene got his Master’s degree in Library Science and worked at Crescent Amusement Company. In 1953, Gene accepted a job as Public Librarian in Bartlesville, Ok. Sarah took a job as a 1^st grade teacher at Dewey Public Schools and later became the Dewey High School Librarian. She was elected Teacher of the Year in 1976. Sarah loved all the kids that came through the school, especially the ornery ones. She said that when she started having kids in school that she had also had their grandparents, she decided it was time to retire.

   After Sarah and Gene retired, they opened Media Futures Bookstore, a Rare, 1^st Edition and used bookstore. They also catalogued all the books at Woolaroc and grew & sold Blueberries. Gene passed away June 5, 2007. Sarah closed down the bookstore but continued to be active with many clubs and organizations. Over the years Sarah was a member of the JayCee-ettes, held several offices for the American Association of University Women and Delta Kappa Gamma, twice  past president of Washington County Retired Educators where she was elected “Very Important Member”. Sarah was a member of the Oklahoma Education Association, the Washington County Historical Society, Dewey Classroom Teachers Association, Washington County Home Demonstration Club and the Daughters of the American Revolution. She was also a founding member of the Word Weavers, Dewey Pilot Club and Women’s Network, where she was chosen as 2015 History Maker of the Year. She was a member of St. Lukes Episcopal Church for over 70 years. Sarah and Gene led the youth group for several years and cooked countless funeral dinners.

    Sarah volunteered for 8 years in the first Hospice group in Bartlesville and served as a Stephens Ministry Pastoral Care volunteer for 18 years at Jane Phillips Hospital. She was also a “School Marm” for the Bartlesville Area History Museum and a member of the White Rose Cemetery Board.

    One of Sarah’s most treasured accomplishments was her Degree in Theology, E.F.M., from the University of the South in 2015. After 4 years of study, and attending classes at St. Lukes Episcopal Church, at 90 years old, she became the oldest person to receive that degree.     

     At 97 years of age, Sarah wrote her memories of her life and published “MY STORY - reminiscences of a southern girl”. A book signing was held at Bartlesville Area History Museum

    In 2008 Sarah moved into Bartlesville Health & Rehab Independent Living Apartments. She started a button sorting group to assist Martha’s Task, a Bible Class, a book club and a group called “Let’s Talk”. Several are still being held today. She also started a band with 6 other residents of the apartments & nursing home. Called the DeBellette’s, she played the Maracas, and they held concerts in the nursing home.

    Sarah lived a long, fulfilling and interesting life. She loved and cherished her family and friends most of all. Sarah was proceeded in death by her parents, 3 sisters, 2 brothers and 3 nephews. She is survived by her son, James R. Winn and wife Donna, daughter Mary Dills and partner Doug Hough and daughter Dianne Kemp, 10 Grandchildren, 23 Great Grandchildren and 9 Great, Great  Grandchildren.

    Services for Sarah will be held Monday, April 1, 2024 at 10am at St. Lukes Episcopal Church in Bartlesville. After burial in White Rose Cemetery a dinner will be held at 398681 W 2400 Rd. Bartlesville, Ok.  For those who would like to make a donation in Sarah’s name, please contact Bartlesville Public Library History Room or Bartlesville Area History Museum.