Sarah Carnella Slayton

Sarah Carnella Slayton, age 88, entered the arms of her Lord and Savior on January 25th, 2026. Sarah was born on August 14, 1937, in Haworth, Oklahoma, the daughter of Robert Jefferson Provence and Bertha Mae Turnage Provence. She was the second of five children, joining sister Flora Mae and later welcoming siblings Thomas, Shirley, and Carrol. On August 27, 1954, Sarah married Curtis Slayton, Sr., who matched her sense of humor and love of fun. Together they raised six children, though their first daughter, Sandra Linette, passed away shortly after birth. Later in life, Sarah shared more than 20 years of joy, companionship, and laughter with Jackie Buford Thomas, whose presence brought comfort and happiness to her journey. Sarah is preceded in death by her spouse, Curtis Ray Slayton Sr.; her parents, Robert Provence and Bertha Mae Turnage Provence; her infant daughter, Sandra Linette Slayton; her son, Curtis Ray Slayton, Jr.; her sister, Flora Mae McWilliams and her brother, Thomas Provence. She built a beautiful family that grew far beyond what she ever imagined. Sarah is survived by four children: Sharon Ingram and husband Stephen Ingram of Wills Point, TX, Donna Slayton of Edgewood, TX, Kristi Bonnet and husband Toby, of Jonestown, TX, Shawn Slayton and wife, Kari, of Wills Point, TX. Sarah is also survived by 13 grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren, and 7 great‑great‑grandchildren, each one a treasured blessing in her life. Sarah devoted her life to her family—working hard both inside and outside the home to help support them. She cooked, cleaned, provided structure, and ensured her children had everything they needed to succeed. Most of all, she had a generous heart. Her home was always open, and she welcomed countless children, teenagers, adults, and extended family members over the years. The family would like to offer special thanks to Avir at Bradburn in Grand Saline for their continuous support and care, and especially to Lisa Ashberry, whose gentle spirit, patience, and devotion meant so much to Sarah and to all who loved her. “Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: ‘Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.’” — Proverbs 31:28–29 Rest easy, Mom. You taught us well. We’ll take it from here. Funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Max Slayton Funeral Chapel with Stephen Ingram and Jeff Provence as officiants. Interment will follow at Oakland Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be Christopher Slayton, Charlie Slayton, Bruce Ingram, Stephen Ingram, Jason Atkins, and Kelly Pincock. Toby Bonnet will serve as an alternate. Her family will receive friends on Friday, January 30, from 5:00–7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

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Sarah Carnella Slayton

August 14, 1937 - January 25, 2026