Sara Elizabeth Swinson Dubuque, 78, passed away on Sunday, August 28, 2016.
SARA ELIZABETH SWINSON DUBUQUE passed away in Rogersville, TN on August 28, 2016 at 3:10 in the morning on her late husband, Charles P. Dubuque’s birthday. Having been a plane crash survivor after birth, lived through years of rheumatic fever, endured two bouts of cancer, suffered a stroke, had a heart attack days before her death and died on her late husband Charles P. Dubuque’s birthday, his amazing woman was passionate about life and living it. Daughter of the late Caspar Dorman Swinson and Mary Eva Gnosspelius, Sara was known to many as a “true friend”. She was giving and supportive of just about any cause. Her desire to help others reached out far and wide. Her occupations ranged from being a small business owner, psychiatric nurse and real estate agent to photographer. Sara loved music and the arts, but more importantly she loved fishing and camping. She was known for telling wild stories, all of which were true and being incredibly funny. An international traveler, Sara was also a lay chaplain for Saint Matthias Episcopal Church for many years. She was benevolent and stern, but also compassionate and a pure delight. Sara has been likened to a saint in sheep’s clothing. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.
A former student of Miss Harris’ School for Young Ladies and Southern Seminary College, Sara later went on to school to become a photographer, which she did for many years. She and her husband, Charlie, were proud owners of a commercial fishing boat called the Mary G. (after her mother, Mary Eva Gnosspelius). Having wanted to retire from fishing, Sara and Charlie moved to Rogersville, TN to seek a quiet life where they started Dubuque Mats which is a framing and mat cutting company that is still in operation. Frequently visiting Crystal River, FL, Sara and Charlie enjoyed spending time with their Florida friends as well. Sara had friends from all walks of life, from man to beast.
Sara is survived by her sister and brother-in-law, Mary Jane and Thomas J. Stroud; son, Edgar Martin Skinner, IV; daughter, Mary Jane Flake; one granddaughter, Heather Renee Skinner; two grandsons, Shannon E. Skinner-Cox and Jack D. Flake. Also who survives her are Shannon Cole, Diedre Pruitt, Rick and Glenda Arnette, Sharon Harrison, Carol Gates, Boogie Nichols, Brent Cox, William Brumfield and many more who loved her very much.
Trinity Memorial Centers Funeral Home (423-723-8177) is honored to be serving the family. You may visit trinitymemorialcenters.com if you wish to send a message of condolence or to send flowers to the family.
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