Sarah Swain Luckett
Sarah Swain Luckett, lovingly known as Sally, of Smithfield, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on August 15, 2026, at the age of 87 surrounded by family. A beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, teacher, artist, and woman of deep faith, Sally leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, honesty, and a life devoted to her family and her Catholic faith.
Sally was born in Burgaw, North Carolina, the daughter of the late Truman Porter Swain and Mary Bowden Swain. She later made her home in Greensboro, Youngsville, and most recently Smithfield, North Carolina.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Robert James Luckett, who passed away on May 8, 2018; her brothers, Truman Porter “Pete” Swain, Jr. and Robert Bowden “Buddy” Swain; her sons, Robert Jonathan "Bobby" Luckett (June 3, 1961 – November 3, 2018) and his wife, Virginia Luckett, Charles Eric Luckett (October 20, 1964 – August 31, 2012), and Richard Porter Luckett (June 30, 1966 – June 9, 2011).
Sally is survived by her sisters, Nancy Swain Phillips (Robert) and Annie Lee Barnhill; her children, Michael William Luckett, Jason Alexander Luckett (Ashley), David Cleveland Luckett, and Serena Westra (Todd); her grandchildren, Andrew Jakubiak (Natalia), Samantha Westra, Alexander Hawthorne (Mira); and many beloved nieces and nephews.
Sally devoted much of her life to being a mother and also taught cosmetology. She was deeply devoted to her Catholic faith and worked hard to live a Christian life, sharing the Gospel whenever she had the opportunity.
Above all else, Sally was a devoted mother and grandmother whose family was at the center of her life. She was a retired hairdresser and instructor and possessed a remarkable creative talent. An avid painter, Sally found great joy in creating beautiful works of art, inspired in part by Bob Ross. An expert seamstress and gifted artist, Sally could create beautiful things with her hands and shared those talents throughout her life. She was honest, quick-witted, and wonderfully sarcastic, and she loved to laugh. Her sense of humor stayed with her until the very end—even on the morning of her last day, she was still making jokes.
Those who knew Sally will remember her not only for the devotion to her family, but also for the love she gave, her deep faith, her humor, her creativity, and the unmistakable personality that made her uniquely herself. Her life and the things she created, taught, and gave to those she loved will leave a lasting legacy in her family. She will be deeply missed by her family and all who were fortunate enough to know and love her.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Gentiva Hospice in Sally’s memory.