Sarah Jane Branson Price

Sarah Jane Branson Price, 95, died Monday, October 1, 2012 from natural causes at the home of her daughter near Winter Haven, FL. Born Christmas day, December 25, 1916 in Onton, Webster County, Kentucky, she was the 3rd of 7 children born to Claud and Lorena Hancock Branson. Mrs. Price was educated in the Onton public schools, received her Teaching Certificate from Western Kentucky State Teachers Normal College, her B.S.Ed. from Shurtleff College, and both her M.S. Ed. and 7th year diploma from Southern Illinois University. She was married on November 27, 1938 to Henry Clay Price in Onton, Kentucky and became the stepmother to Margery and Henry, Jr.; her husband of 50 years, daughter Margery Price Schlachta, five sisters and parents preceded her in death. She is survived by sons: Dr. Joel M. (Marcie) Price of San Antonio, FL; Claud D. (Nancy) Price of Larkspur, CA; E. Brent Price of Lake Wales, FL; Henry C. Price, Jr. (Mary) of Marietta, GA; daughter: Lorena-Elisabeth Lloyd Prhys of Lake Wales, FL; eight grandchildren; ten great grandchildren; and brother: Dr. Norris E. (Mary Lou) Branson of Evansville, IN. Mrs. Price began her 38 year career as an educator by teaching 3rd and 4th grade at Onton Grade School. She later taught high school History and English at Onton High School before moving to Illinois where she continued as a high school English teacher. When her husband retired in 1964, they moved to Florida, first to Crystal River then to Winter Haven. The last 18 years of her career were spent as an English teacher at Winter Haven High School, from where she retired in 1986 She was a natural and dedicated educator who not only was passionate about teaching her students, but also about mentoring new teachers. Because of these interests, she was active in the formation of the Polk Education Association and a proud member of the teachers union whose goal was to enhance the quality of education in Florida. Following her retirement from teaching, Mrs. Price became an avid traveler in both North America and Europe. However, she was always happiest to return home to the Onton area where, as a descendent of the three founding families of the area - Ashby, Branson, and Hancock – she had many relatives and friends. Her knowledge of the family histories and genealogies was encyclopedic and she passed her family pride to her children and grandchildren. As a mother, grandmother, aunt, teacher, and friend Sarah Jane Branson Price inspired generations of young people to do their best and learn something new every day. She was a sweet, gentle woman who was dearly loved and will be missed by many. Visitation will be Monday, October 8, from 4-8 p.m. at Tomblinson Funeral Home in Sebree, KY., Tuesday, October 9, 10 a.m. to service time at Onton Methodist Church. The funeral service will be Tuesday, October 9, 11 a.m. at the Onton, Kentucky Methodist Church, with interment following at Onton New Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Meals on Wheels of Winter Haven, Good Shepherd Hospice of Winter Haven, or Onton Methodist Church.