Sarah E Tibbetts

Sarah E. "Sally" (Hutson) Tibbetts, 82, of Wellington, Florida, was promoted to Glory on August 17, 2026. She passed peacefully in the comfort of her home, surrounded by the love and care of family.
Sally is survived by her beloved daughter and son-in-law, Tammy (Tibbetts) and Michael Paul; granddaughter, Abigail Paul and her fiance, Travis Brown, of Raleigh, North Carolina; and grandson, Jonathan Paul. She is also survived by her dear sisters, Kathy (Eertmoed) Morrow and Wanda (Hutson) Parker, of Macomb, Illinois; brother-in-law, David Morrow; dear friend, Anita Sanchez; and cherished nieces, nephews, neighbors, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 50 years, John F. Tibbetts; her parents, Bernah Dee (Parris) and Marion Eertmoed; sister, Edna Jeanne (Hutson) Mayor; brother, David Eertmoed; nephews, Kenny Renner and Kent Renner; in-laws, Blanche (Calhoun) and Robert Tibbetts; as well as grandparents, aunts, uncles, dear cousins, and other loved ones.
Sally was born and raised in Macomb, Illinois. She graduated from Macomb High School and later attended The Salvation Army School for Officers' Training in Chicago, Illinois, graduating with the "Heroes of the Faith" session, Class of 1964.
Sally was a proud and devoted employee of District 86 Schools in Joliet, Illinois, where she served as the School Secretary at Farragut Elementary School for more than 30 years. For Sally, Farragut was far more than a place of employment--it was her mission field. The staff, children, and families of the surrounding Cathedral Area community became an important part of her life.
Sally made lifelong friends at Farragut, where her wonderful sense of humor flourished. Each school year brought new faces and new friendships. Even after staff members and students moved on, Sally continued to pray for them, cherish the memories they had made together, share their stories, and proclaim the value and beauty of "all God's children." The tree planted at the corner of Glenwood and Wilcox in honor of her retirement, like the shared Falcon pride of the Farragut community, remains a lasting reminder of her years of service and love.
Sally found joy in her family and friends, household and creative projects, sewing, celebrating holidays, and tending to her beautiful garden yard. Her kindness spilled beyond the walls of her home as she welcomed neighbors with love, laughter, and humor.
Sally and John worshiped together at The Salvation Army in Joliet and Joliet First Assembly of God Church. They spent their honeymoon and summer vacations fishing on Lake Dickerson in Michigan, returned to Macomb and the Morrow homestead as often as possible, and treasured gatherings and outings with loved ones, the extended Paul family, and the Poch family. Sally had a particularly special place in her heart for her nieces and nephews.
She was an amazing mother and a loving grandmother. Sally deeply loved and cared for her grandchildren, taking great pride in who they were becoming and generously contributing to their development and daily lives. Their accomplishments and happiness brought her tremendous joy.
Sally was also a devoted fan of college basketball. Each year, March Madness brought excitement to her home, along with passionate conversations about players, coaches, buzzer beaters, and, of course, the accuracy of her carefully crafted annual bracket.
After 70 years in Illinois, Sally and John moved to Florida to be closer to Tammy and her family. There, Sally was blessed with tropical weather and beautiful scenery, new friends at The Salvation Army in Lake Worth, loving caregivers, and frequent visits from family and friends. The thoughtful calls, texts, cards, and flowers she received brought her great happiness and reminded her of how deeply she was loved.
Above all else, Sally's deep faith in God and the saving grace of Jesus Christ governed every day and every aspect of her life. Her faith was not simply something she professed; it was something she lived. Those who witnessed her final days marveled at her peace, her testimony, and her continued concern for the souls of those who did not yet know Christ.
Sally's life was a testament to faith, service, family, friendship, humor, and love. She gave generously of herself and left an imprint on countless lives--from the children and families she served at Farragut Elementary to her beloved family, friends, neighbors, and church communities.
Sally is greatly missed. Her legacy of love and joy will live on in our hearts, and the seeds of faith, kindness, and compassion she planted in the lives of others will continue to grow.
The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the Trustbridge Hospice Opal Team for their compassionate and loving care while managing Sally's advanced Parkinson's disease.
Memorial Service & Celebration of Life
Saturday, September 26, 2026 at 11:00 a.m.
The Salvation Army Worship Center

4051 Kirk Road

Lake Worth, FL 33461
A luncheon will follow the service in the Activity Hall.
In lieu of flowers donations to Trust bridge Hospice or The Salvation Army would be greatly appreciated.