Sarah Elizabeth "May" Kinkead

Sarah Elizabeth May Kinkead, 81, of Jefferson City, Tennessee, passed away on May 30, 2026.

Born on October 7, 1944, Sarah lived a life full of love, strength, sacrifice, and devotion to her family. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Frank Kinkead Sr.; her parents, Roy and Hazel May; and her brother-in-law, Larry Carmon.

To know Sarah was to know one of the sweetest souls this world has ever held. She had a gentle spirit, a loving heart, and a strength that carried her family through many seasons of life. She loved to play the piano and to read, finding joy in music, stories, and the simple, meaningful things that made life beautiful.

Sarah worked at Carson-Newman for several years while putting herself through college. She went on to work at Ronald Jeffrey and later at Cherokee Health, where she remained until her retirement many years later. Her work ethic was only one part of the remarkable life she lived.

After her husband suffered an industrial accident, Sarah became the primary breadwinner for their family, while also caring for him and raising their two children. She later helped care for her father as he aged. Sarah gave so much of herself to those she loved, not for recognition, but because that was simply who she was.

Sarah’s church family at Oakland Baptist Church of Rutledge was an important part of her life, offering friendship, fellowship, and a community she dearly loved.

She is survived by her sons, Chris Kinkead and wife Kristi of Dandridge, Tennessee, and Brad Kinkead; her grandchildren, Marina Oakes-Kinkead, Caitlin Womack and husband Houston, Willis Oakes, Matthew Lane and wife Jo, and Samantha Howard and husband Tyler; her great-grandchildren, Raelynn, Peyton, and Collin; and her beloved great-grandpup, Arthur. She is also survived by her sister, Lois Carmon; her brother, Bill May and wife Doris; and several nieces and nephews.

Sarah also leaves behind many special people who meant so much to her, including Stacey Lawson, her pastor and dear friend; Trish Bullard, her friend; and Vickie Jordan and husband David, her cousin and friend. She was also blessed with an adopted family who loved her dearly: Becky and Charlie Boggan; Megan Stinson and Derrick and their children, Johnathan, Daniel, and Ethan; Beverly and Fred Hyde; Eutha Welch; Beth and Craig Norris; and Cathy Bush.

The family would like to extend special thanks to the staff at ALPS of Morristown and Charter Senior Living of Jefferson City for all they did for Sarah and her family over the last two years. They would also like to thank the staff of Smoky Mountain Home Health and Hospice Care of Morristown for their care, compassion, and support during Sarah’s last days.

Sarah’s life was a beautiful example of love in action. She leaves behind a family who will forever remember her kindness, her devotion, her quiet strength, and the way she made those around her feel loved.

A visitation will be held Monday, June 8, 2026 from 4:00p.m. until 6:00p.m. with a funeral service to follow with Rev. Stacey Lawson officiating. A graveside service will be held Tuesday, June 9, 2026 at 11:00a.m. at Jefferson Memorial Gardens. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made, if desired, to ALPS Adult Day Services, 600 N. Daisy Street, Morristown, TN.