Sadie Dean Raines' Obituary
Normal0falsefalsefalseEN-USX-NONEX-NONE/* Style Definitions */table.MsoNormalTable{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;mso-style-noshow:yes;mso-style-priority:99;mso-style-parent:"";mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;mso-para-margin-top:0in;mso-para-margin-right:0in;mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;mso-para-margin-left:0in;line-height:115%;mso-pagination:widow-orphan;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}A Character-building ChildhoodAmerica was in the throes of the Great Depression when Sadie Dean was born in 1934 in Athens, Alabama. Life could not have been more difficult in the Deep South as families persevered to survive from one day to the next. Sadie developed endurance skills based on the hard work necessary to eke out a living and the generosity to share what she had each day with whomever was most in need. Those skills and kindness of spirit would characterize her for all of her life.Sadie left her home in Alabama too attend high school in West Nashville, Tennessee. It was there that she met her first love, Morgan Ned Brown. In 1952, after having completed tenth grade, she left school to get married and start a family.Giving New Meaning to “Full-time Motherhood”Before a decade had passed, Sadie was the proud and busy Mom to seven children: Vickie, Kenneth, Terry, Gail, Ronnie, Steve and Sherry. But the tough economic years were definitely not behind her. During this time, the family lived in a home without indoor plumbing or other luxuries we today take for granted. The outdoor facilities were less than convenient, and Sadie spent much of her time doing the family washing outside in all kinds of weather. It was hard times for the young couple living on a carpenter’s income. Although times were tough, Ned worked every day to provide a home while Sadie managed to put a meal on the table for the family. She skipped many a meal herself to make sure the children were fed. She became a great cook stretching every resource to its fullest.The rambunctious children got themselves into many scrapes. “Wait until your father gets home,” was a common refrain. When Sadie couldn’t chase them down, she was known to throw shoes at them (with less-than-perfect aim). Stories will be told for years to come of one young lad getting his head stuck in a milk can, requiring a call for a friend to help remove it with a saw. The friend wondered out loud if Sadie had taken to canning her many children. Another story commonly told is one of a grandson being “dunked” into a bucket of tar and feathered for fun by two other grandsons on a day that Sadie was watching after the three.Sadly in 1975, Ned’s life was abruptly taken and Sadie found herself without a husband and left with three teenage children. She took on many jobs over the years ironing for neighbors to help provide for her family. She knew just what she had to do to provide for them by herself. Today her adult children describe their mother as the most generous person they have ever known.Just as Sweet the Second Time AroundSadie upheld her dedication to creating a loving and happy home for her children and grandchildren. In 1983, she met and married Bryant “Junior” Raines. There was ample love in her heart to welcome his four children: Mickey, Gary, Randy and Debbie into her family. Junior’s children became as dear to her as her own children were. Sadie and Junior were a blessing to each other. They could not have found a better match. Together, the built a loving home for their children and grandchildren visiting. With their children grown, the two were able to enjoy a more comfortable life.The Jitterbug and Other Happy PleasuresAs much as Sadie was a classy, attractive lady, she always appreciated the great outdoors. She loved the mountains and took immense pleasure in golfing and fishing. She enjoyed visiting Florida and lived for the hours she could spend on the Tennessee River, boating and camping near its banks. She was never by herself and treasured every opportunity to gather the family for special times together. Her children and grandchildren fondly recall one such summer evening event at a campsite near the river. They organized an old-fashioned ‘hoedown’ with music, dancing and much laughter. Granny and Junior put on a memorable performance of the Jitterbug, the Charleston and other dance moves that delighted them both.And in Her Spare Time…The work ethic Sadie developed during her formative years was an important asset that saw her through many difficult times. When not managing her home and caring for her family, Sadie spent many years working in a variety of jobs. From assembly-line manufacturing at Sanders Novelty Company to orderly duties at the local hospital, and several jobs in between, Sadie put her heart and soul into being productive and helping others. She is said to have retired three times; she kept going back to work because of the satisfaction and joy it gave her. She never missed a day of work and received awards for perfect attendance.Just a Wonderful PersonSadie must know her hard work paid off. She experienced a great deal of pride as she shared her children’s many successes from graduation days to the births of her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She experienced the heartbreak of losing a mother, a father, a husband (Ned), eight siblings and her daughter Vickie in January 2011. Mostly though, it would have to be said she derived much joy from those around her. She leaves a legacy of family values, generosity and unconditional love that will endure though the lives of those she leaves behind.
What’s your fondest memory of Sadie?
What’s a lesson you learned from Sadie?
Share a story where Sadie's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Sadie you’ll never forget.
How did Sadie make you smile?