Sarah Estelle Gobble Williams
Sarah Estelle Gobble Williams, 81, passed on March 26, 2026, in the Hospice House, Bristol TN.
Sarah was preceded by her parents, Ernest Garland Gobble, Helen Louise Thomas Gobble, a brother Lary Gobble, and Sarah’s daughter, Cara Lyn Williams.
Sarah’s life was distinguished by dedication to family and the desire to make life better for those around her. Sarah taught 9th grade English in San Antonio, Texas, and established an Education Center at Mt. Meissner, West Germany, to help U.S. Army soldiers further their education and careers.
In West Berlin while studying with the University of Mayland, European Division, she taught knitting and cake decorating and served as a Cub Scout Den Mother.
In Monterey, California, Sarah opened the Rainbow Rabbit Child Care Center providing affordable childcare for military families. Sarah also worked during this time as a journalist/photographer for the Times newspaper, distributed to military personnel and their families around the world.
After returning to Bristol, Sarah worked as Respite Care Coordinator for Virginia Easter Seals, worked at the Women’s Resource Center located on the campus of Virginia Intermont College and later worked as Assistant Registrar at Virginia Intermont.
Sarah was the Registrar at Emory & Henry College and later worked in the Education Department to assist students on their path to teacher certification.
After retirement in 2010, Sarah served on the Bristol Virginia Economic Development Committee, served eight years on the Electoral Board, served as Secretary of the Bristol Public Library Finance Committee, and served as Chair of the Bristol VA Democratic Committee.
Sarah received her BA in English from Virginia Intermont College and her master’s degree in education from East Tennessee State University.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to the Bristol Public Library in memory of Sarah.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of Ballad Hospice House for all the kind and compassionate care shown to Sarah during her time of need.
Online condolences may be sent and viewed by visiting www.blevinscares.com. Blevins Funeral & Cremation Services has the honor of serving the Williams family.
