Obituary

Sara Jane Smith, Mamaw, passed away peacefully in Tulsa on September 9, 2026, at 10:45 am in her home at the age of 81.

Sara is survived by her husband, Gene Smith; her daughter Tiffany Cue; brothers Ronald Cole and Bill Cole; and sister Debbie Whisenhunt. Six grandchildren, Daniel, Taylor, Zac, Joshua, Brooke, and Gavin, and seven great-grandchildren. Sara is preceded in death by both parents, Arthur and Beatrice Cole, son Michael Parrish II, and sisters Arlene Hawkins and Cheryl Simms.

Sara was born on June 28, 1945, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to Arthur and Beatrice Cole. She graduated from Webster High School in 1963. She had 3 unsuccessful marriages and welcomed 2 beautiful children into her home, and Sara set about teaching them love, integrity, and education. Her children remember her as a kind, loving, and driven mother who encouraged them to pursue their goals. She married her soulmate, Gene Smith, in 1979 and had a fulfilling and wonderful life until her death.

Sara was accomplished in nursing and business/manigerial skills and was very dedicated to her career, which she retired from in 1990. She then went to take care of her family in any way they needed. She was a generous and dedicated individual who loved her work, her family, and was passionate about helping others.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, September 23, 2:00 p.m., at Butler-Stumpff & Dyer Memorial Chapel, 2103 E. 3rd St., Tulsa, OK 74104.