A peaceful sunset view of Lookout Mountain, symbolizing community and remembrance.
Sarah Milligan Hooper, a cherished resident of Lookout Mountain, passed away peacefully at the age of 99. A dedicated community member and matriarch, her legacy of love, service, and creativity will be remembered fondly by family and friends. With a notable career as a U.S. Army Nurse’s Aide and involvement in local organizations, she has left an indelible mark on the community. Sarah’s private graveside service will take place on April 4, honoring her contributions and the love she shared.
Lookout Mountain is saying goodbye to a cherished resident and remarkable woman, Sarah Milligan Hooper, who peacefully passed away on April 1, 2025, at the age of 99. Her rich life, filled with love, service, and creativity, spanned nearly a century, and she leaves behind a legacy that will be fondly remembered by her family and friends.
Born on December 26, 1925, to Lila Kirtland Mansfield Milligan and Carnot Guille Milligan, Sarah was raised in a charming summer home belonging to her maternal grandfather. This house, a lovely centerpiece of their family story, was skillfully rebuilt after the Lookout Inn fire in 1907 by renowned local builder Isaac C. Mansfield.
Sarah’s educational journey was robust; she graduated from Lookout Mountain School, attended the esteemed Girls’ Preparatory School, and earned her degree from the University of Chattanooga. Her time at university saw her becoming a spirited member of the Chi Omega Fraternity.
During World War II, Sarah stepped into a crucial role as a U.S. Army Nurse’s Aide, serving at the Army hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. Her heart was big, and her compassion for wounded soldiers was the hallmark of her service. Following the war, she wore many hats — including working at the Electric Power Board and her father’s law firm — before tying the knot with Walter E. Hooper, Jr..
The couple’s journey took them to Alexandria, VA, where they welcomed their first two children, Walter III and Sunny. Their lives changed again after the Korean War when they returned to Lookout Mountain in 1955, bringing home their new baby, James Bell Milligan (lovingly known as Jibbie).
Sarah was more than a devoted mother; she was an active community member. She volunteered with the Junior League, was involved with the Fairyland School PTA, and served on the) Lookout Mountain School PTA. Not just stopping there, she was a proud member of the Woodlands Garden Club and even played an essential role on the board of The Houston Museum.
A devout member of the Lookout Mountain Presbyterian Church, Sarah’s faith was a cornerstone in her life. With a passion for education and nurturing young minds, she also worked as a preschool teacher for special needs children at Central Presbyterian Church.
In a true testament to her entrepreneurial spirit, Sarah co-founded the first estate sale company in the Chattanooga area, known as Estate Sales, Ltd.. Her company garnered fame when it was featured on the beloved television series “On the Road with Charles Kuralt,” a proud nod to her impact in the community.
Through the trials of life, Sarah was a brave widow for 29 years, creating a vast network of friends who offered her unwavering support. She became widely known not just for her strength, but also her talents as an avid gardener and gourmet cook. Her nurturing nature made her a wonderful mother, devoted wife, and loyal friend.
In 2016, Sarah made the transition to Thrive at Brow Wood Assisted Living, enduring the difficult lockdown during the pandemic, and later moved to StoryPoint Senior Living in 2023. Sarah leaves behind a loving family, including her children: Walter (Terry) Hooper of Spring City, Sunny (Richard) Wagner of Signal Mountain, and J.B. (“Jibbie”)(Sharel) Hooper of Lookout Mountain, along with numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Sarah will be honored with a private graveside service at the National Cemetery on April 4, officiated by Reverend Frank Hitchings. Friends and family are invited to visit on the same day at the Lookout Mountain Presbyterian Church Jane Harris Youth Building from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that gifts in remembrance be made to Girls Preparatory School or the Lookout Mountain Presbyterian Church. Arrangements have been entrusted to Wann Funeral & Cremation Center in St. Elmo, TN.
News Summary Tennessee Economic Development Commissioner Stuart McWhorter visited Middle Tennessee State University to explore…
News Summary Chattanooga voters in District 6 and District 8 will have the chance to…
News Summary Hamilton County is ready for Arts Week 2025, commencing on April 19th. The…
News Summary Chattanooga, Tennessee, is buzzing with love as several couples have recently tied the…
News Summary Cierra Davenport has filed a lawsuit against Massage Envy and Kenneth Spears over…
News Summary Chattanooga is facing significant backlash as two state senators push a bill requiring…