Sarah Elizabeth Thaxton

Sarah Elizabeth (Beth) Thaxton, 79, of Rayle, Ga passed away on June 4, 2024. Born in Athens, GA on February 7, 1945, she was the daughter of the late Hoyt Holder Bennett and Sara Mae Bennett. She was raised by her late grandparents, Earl Patrick McClain and Maude Mae Lyle, in the Wolfskin Community of Oglethorpe County. Beth was also preceded in death by her loving husband of 59 years, Robert Lee Thaxton; brothers, Hubert Bennett and Hoyt Bennett Jr.; sisters, Jo Anne Bennett and Judith Bennett; and niece: Carla Thaxton Brown. 

Beth began playing the piano at Temple Methodist Church when she was 10 years old, 3 years later she accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior. After marrying her beloved Lee, they settled in the Flatwoods Community of Oglethorpe County. Together, they became active members of Lexington Baptist Church where Beth played the piano for 38 years. For a number of years, she served on the church missions committee and as the committee chairman. She devoted her life to Christian service through Vacation Bible School, GA’s, Awanas, Good News Club, the church food bank, and missions. Beth worked as a beautician and owner of Beth’s Beauty Salon for 45 years and as a Mary Kay Consultant for 15 years. She was a survivor of breast cancer and lymphoma and volunteered with the cancer support group, Look Good Feel Better, for many years. Beth was also a member of the United Daughters of the Confederacy and the Red Hat Society. She was a beloved wife, mother, granny, and friend, Beth used every challenge as an opportunity to encourage and uplift others. Beth will be dearly missed by all those who knew her. 

Survivors include her children: Jason Thaxton (Libby) and Elise Kusiak (Scott); grandchildren: Heather Stanley (Duston), Ethan Thaxton (Blair), Audrey Thaxton, Zack Kusiak, Regan Kusiak, Jackson Kusiak; great grandchildren: Claire and Emma Stanley; siblings: Mary Munnell and Mike Stamps (Pat); brother-in-law Tommy Thaxton (Fran); and cousin, Martha Carter. 

Funeral services will be held at Lexington Baptist Church, Saturday, June 8, 2024 at 2:00 PM with Pastor Harry Warren and Pastor Matt Bartlett officiating. Burial will follow at Thaxton Wynne Cemetery. Pallbearers: Townley Wilson, Doug Houser, Ken Arnold, Gerald (Tick) Tankersley, Roger Neesmith, and Ethan Thaxton.

The family will receive friends at Lord and Stephens Funeral Home, East, on Friday, June 7, 2024 from 5:00PM - 7:00PM. 

Lord and Stephens Funeral Home, East, Athens is in charge ofarrangements. www.lordandstephens.com