Doris Byrd Sartin

Doris Byrd Sartin, 100, of Sevierville, Tennessee died peacefully on August 30, 2026, at Newport Tennova Convalescent Center, surrounded by her three loving daughters. She was born April 20, 1926, in Ozark, Alabama, the oldest child of Dewey and Jonnie Byrd. She met her husband John D. Sartin when he came to Ozark to help build Fort Rucker, an army camp that trained troops during World War ll. After returning from the war, they married April 9, 1946, in Troy, Alabama. In 1952, the young couple moved their family to Charlottesville, Virginia where they would raise their daughters. Her husband’s business was successful, allowing Doris to be a full time homemaker. She possessed the extraordinary gift of hospitality. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She was a talented seamstress and very creative. She spent much of her life sewing dresses, coats, evening gowns, and window treatments for family and friends. She never charged anyone for her sewing work. She enjoyed gardening, cooking, decorating, and entertaining. She shared her gifts, and skills with many often behind the scenes. She worked quietly performing endless tasks and good deeds for others without asking for praise or recognition. Through the years, she served many roles in her church. She especially enjoyed working in Vacation Bible School and teaching children in Sunday School. In her home, she hosted innumerable church parties, young people gatherings, baby showers, wedding showers, and other celebrations. She opened up her home to visiting missionaries, ministers, college students, elderly with no family, her daughters’ friends, and extended family in transition. She turned no one away. She and her husband were Gideons, and she served as Gideon Ladies Auxiliary president. On her 100th birthday, she received over 100 cards and letters. Many expressed their gratitude for the difference she made in their lives. After her husband died in 1995, she remained for a few years in Charlottesville and then in 2002 moved to East Tennessee to live with her oldest daughter and son-in-law on the Thornton Farm in Sevier County. She frequently returned to Charlottesville and Nashville for extended stays with her other daughters. As her health declined, she spent her last years at Wellington Manor Assisted Living and after breaking her hip, she moved to Tennova Convalescent Center. She became friends with the staff and loved her caregivers at both locations. The last 9 months of her life, she courageously battled breast cancer. Her family would like to thank Smoky Mountain Health and Hospice and the devoted and loving staff of the convalescent center for being with her in her final journey. She was preceded in death by her husband John D. Sartin; parents Dewey and Jonnie Byrd; brother Rex C. Byrd; and son-in-law Lon H. Thornton, Jr. She leaves behind to cherish her memory her daughters Linda Sartin Thornton, Barbara Sartin Wells (Greg) and Martha Sartin Thompson (Alan); grandchildren, Blake Thompson (Tanya), Heather Thornton Sartain (Mark), Kortney Thornton Stinnett (Robbie), John Thornton (Cindi), Stephanie Wells Rhodes (Larry), Cameron Wells Marsh (Chris), and Gregory Wells (Casey). Ten great-grandchildren, five great-great grandchildren, two expected great-great grandchildren and several close nieces and a close nephew. The family will receive friends on Saturday, September 12, at Charlottesville First Church of The Nazarene from 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., followed by her Celebration of Life at 12:00 p.m. with Rev. Bill Willis officiating. There will be a private burial at Monticello Gardens. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to American Cancer Society, Inc in memory of Doris Sartin. Family and friends can sign the guest register online at:www.manesfuneralhome.com Arrangements with Manes Funeral Home, Newport, TN.

Doris Byrd Sartin

April 20, 1926 - August 30, 2026