Sarah Nixon, An Outstanding Extension Homemaker

From a letter nominating Sarah Nixon, Gaston County Extension Homemakers, for an award. Sarah Nixon is probably most widely known editor of Tar Heel Homemaker. To see another post about Sarah..this one with photos…go to http://ruralnchistory.blogspot.com/2011/06/scholarship-winner-nicole-rudisill-and.html

At least 25,000 North Carolina Extension Homemakers know and love Sarah Nixon. Sarah was one of the very first members of our State Association to receive a Life Membership. She has been a working, giving, supporting, caring member all of her life. She serves her local community with the same zest and zeal that she gives to the larger district, state, national, and international leadership opportunities that come her way.

I came to know Sarah shortly after I became an Extension Homemaker in 1956 at the district level, then as we both progressed to the state level, our paths crossed more often. Sarah and I both served as President of the North Carolina Extension Association, and on the Steering Committee which was appointed in 1985 to plan and execute a five day meeting of the National Extension Homemaker Association which was held in Charlotte, NC, in July of 1988. During these three years Sarah and I became even closer friends. I found out very soon that if I needed something done in the Charlotte area, Sarah could get it accomplished. Sarah was so willing to do what the task required, regardless of how busy she was with her own life. Hosting 3,015 Extension Homemakers from across these United States for five days was no easy task, but we got the job done in first class style. This was the largest conference the city of Charlotte and the National Extension Homemakers had ever had. Sarah and I traveled together to Kenya, East Africa, in 1977 as voting delegates to the triennial meeting of The Associated Country Women of The World. Sarah is an ambassador of good will and has created many lasting worldwide friendships. Sarah holds a life membership in this organization and recently attended the triennial meeting held in The Netherlands.

Sarah Nixon is deserving of any recognition that might come her way. Sarah is a quiet person, doing every day something to make this world a better place. I hope I have conveyed to you the esteem the North Carolina Extension Homemakers hold for Sarah Nixon. She is the “jewel” among us, and we are all proud to be associated with her in this volunteer organization.

                Sincerely yours, Mrs. Elmer B. Lagg, Past President, North Carolina Extension Homemakers