Sarah Lena Hatcher, the eldest of six children from the union of Herbert T. Hatcher and Helen Canterbury Hatcher, was born June 22, 1934. Her childhood home was located on what is now the site of WDAF TV Station on Summit in Kansas City until they moved to 2737 Brooklyn Ave., where the children grew into adulthood. Sarah attended Booker T. Washington elementary school, RT Coles, and Lincoln High School where she graduated in 1952. She matriculated from the University of Missouri at Kansas City where she received both her undergraduate and graduate degrees in English and Education. While attending UMKC, she became a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and is a Pearl member. In 1957, she wed Charles N. Smith at Bethel AME church where she was a member. Four children were born to this union. While raising children, she worked, as an elementary teacher and later a librarian, for the Kansas City Missouri School District. She retired from KCMSD after 38 years of service. As the story goes… one of the conditions for marrying Charles, was that he promised to take her on a vacation every year. So, over the years, she developed a love for traveling. At first it was a road trip heading west in the station wagon with four kids. Later in life, road trips were in the RV and sometimes with the grandkids. Whether it was simply going to their lake home in the Ozarks, cruising to other countries, attending family reunions or wintering in Arizona, she loved it all. She was also known as an avid crafter who enjoyed sewing, crocheting, needlepoint and what later became her favorite, cardmaking. Recipients of her beautiful handmade cards genuinely enjoyed them because Sarah created them. Sarah Smith, 87, passed away on September 18, 2021, at St. Luke's Hospice House in Kansas City, Mo. She is survived by her husband Charles Smith of Lee's Summit, Mo; her daughter, Rhonda Cole (Robert) of Kansas City, Mo.; and her sons, Charles Smith Jr. (Lee's Summit); Rodney Smith (Taylor) of Lee's Summit, Mo; David Smith (Nicole) of Frisco, TX. She also leaves her only sister: Margaret Perrino of Kansas City, Mo; and brothers Herbert Hatcher (Sandra), Titus Hatcher (Louise), Carl Hatcher (Betty) and Harold Hatcher (Peggy); all from the Kansas City area. She leaves behind nine grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews. Sarah, dearly loved, will be missed by all… for she was truly 'One in a Million.' A public viewing will be held 9:30 a.m. - 11, followed by a private "Family Only" service Saturday, October 2, 2021 at Duane E. Harvey Funeral Directors Chapel. Interment Longview Cemetery. Services provided by Duane E. Harvey Funeral Directors. Facial masks and social distancing is required for attendance.