Sarah Nell Sapp

Sarah Nell Sapp, lovingly known as Nell, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 26, 2026. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister whose life was defined by love for her family and quiet strength.

Nell was born on October 22, 1942, in Collins, Georgia, to the late Inez and W.K. Hughes. She was one of twelve children, growing up surrounded by family—a value she carried with her throughout her life.

In 1960, Nell met the love of her life while attending the fair with her friend Merlene, who happened to be her future husband’s cousin. That meeting sparked a lifelong love, and she married Kenneth Sapp on April 21, 1962, at Pine Grove Baptist Church in Collins, Georgia. Together, they shared 64 years of marriage and built a beautiful life rooted in faith, devotion, and family.

Nell and Kenneth raised three sons, and family remained the center of her world. She worked in the public school system for several years before dedicating herself fully to her role as a homemaker—a role she cherished deeply.

Nothing brought Nell more joy than her grandchildren: Laci (Bobby), Nicole, Amy (Joshua), Joshua (Morgan), and Ryan. She was also the proud great-grandmother of ten “great-grands,” as she affectionately called them, including Blaze, Alexis, Sebastion, Phoebe, Kaison, Cayden, Wyatt, Layton, Mason, and baby Rhett.

She was preceded in death by several siblings: Ronnie Hughes, Matra Harvey, Martha Olsen, Jimmy Hughes, Paul Hughes, and J.D. Hughes.

She is survived by her loving husband, Kenneth Sapp; her sons, Ricky Sapp, Scott Sapp, and Todd Sapp (Beverly); her grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and her siblings, Denise Locke (Stan), Mae Jo Jeffers (Russ), Betty Gordy, Linda Riner, and Earl Hughes (Faye).

Nell will be remembered for her unwavering love, gentle spirit, and the legacy of family she leaves behind.

The visitation will be on Friday, January 30, 2026 from 11 a.m. until 12 noon at the funeral home.  The funeral to honor Nell's life will follow at 12 noon in the chapel of the funeral home with burial to follow at Hillcrest Abbey West Cemetery.  

Thomas C. Strickland & Sons Funeral Homes - WEST CHATHAM CHAPEL 901 West Highway 80 - Pooler, Georgia (912) 748-2444