Sadie Margaret Curry

In Talladega, Alabama on December 14, 1933, Benjamin Swain, Sr. and Naomia Smith Swain welcomed to the world a beautiful and smart bubbly baby girl who was given the name Sadie, biblically meaning "princess, lady-like" to which she was true to that classification. At an early age, Mrs. Curry committed her life to Christ and united with First Congregational United Church where she was a faithful servant of God working and worshipping diligently. Mrs. Curry loved the Lord and enjoyed being a dedicated worker in his vineyard until her health began to fail. She received her formal education in the Talladega County School System where she was a proud graduate of Talladega County Training School (TCTS) known today as Talladega County Central High School. Mrs. Curry was destined to become an educator with distinction. Upon completing high school, she enrolled at Alabama A&M University where she received her Bachelor of Science degree. She was an educator at heart retiring in 1999 after 41 years of teaching in the Talladega City School System. On Thursday, October 19, 2000, Mrs. Sadie M. Curry was recognized by the Honorable Bob Riley of Alabama in the House of Representatives for her lifetime achievement as a science teacher. She received numerous commendations for her excellent teaching from the beginning of her career. Mrs. Curry was named Teacher of the Year as early as 1960, first designated as Outstanding Elementary Teacher of the year in 1972 and named Teacher of the Year for Talladega Middle School in 1984. She continued to receive the honor of Teacher of the Year from Dixon Middle School, the school from which she retired, throughout the 1990's. In 1985, 1995, and 1996, Mrs. Curry was named as a Finalist in the Jacksonville State University Hall of Fame Teacher of the Year competition and was nominated as Alabama State Teacher of the Year three times. She was also Coordinator of the Local Science Fair from 1972 through 1994. Ms. Curry was living confirmation that education was the key to success despite any barriers that may occur while on your journey in life. She wanted to inspire all youngsters and let them know to complete their education and let nothing be a hindrance to them. This remained a proven fact by her actions and immeasurable other certificates and awards of recognition she received while being a Charter Member of the Talladega County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., participating in various Science Fairs across the state, hosting many Fashion Shows, Talladega Scientist of the Year Award in 1985, 1994 Catalyst Award for Excellence in Science Teaching by the National Chemical Manufacturers Association, and several other awards too numerous to mention. Although she was a stern and strict disciplinarian, the love she had for her students was unconditional. Mrs. Curry was a very smart educator and mentor who spent countless hours in the classroom with her students assuring they received and understood science and conservation at its best. Mrs. Curry's quality as a teacher went far beyond her directive in science and for this, we are all proud and grateful to have had Mrs. Curry in our lives. As Mrs. Curry traveled her 89-year blessed earthly journey, she was united in Holy Matrimony to the late Mr. Franklin Elijah Curry and to this union came the blessing of a beautiful daughter, Franetta Elana. She was the apple of her parent's eye and joy to their soul. There is nothing they would not do for their precious baby girl. On the evening of Wednesday, January 4, 2023, after eighty-nine blessed years on this earthly journey, God signaled for Ms. Curry to accept her heavenly wings and board the train to glory for eternal rest while residing at Regency Retirement Village in Birmingham, Alabama. Ms. Curry was welcomed home and reunited with her beloved husband, Mr. Franklin Elijah Curry, parents, Benjamin and Naomia Swain, Sr., brothers, Joe L. Swain, Benjamin Swain, Jr., and Theodore R. Swain, and sisters, Elizabeth R. Swain, and Emma J. Thomas. She leaves to cherish an everlasting legacy of love and memories; a daughter, Franetta (Troy) Curry Harrington; sister, Annie Montgomery; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Sadie Curry Final Thoughts Fighter, Scraper, Navy Seal, Tiny Tornado, all things I've heard to describe Sadie the woman. Strict, Tough, Caring, Hell of a Teacher, all things I've heard to describe Sadie Curry the teacher. I haven't come across one of her Paramecium, Amoebae, or Organisms yet who didn't tell me she was the best teacher they ever had. She taught her students to think for themselves and not to except what they were told point blank. You don't work any job for 41 years without truly loving what you do and who you do it for. Sadie had two loves in this world, her church and her family, in that order, as God intended. She would defend either with the fierceness of a momma bear. Sadie always had a project she was working on for the church. She never played by the rules as any out of the box thinker would, but she would change the situation to complete the question at hand. I admired her tenacity and drive when solving her problems. Sadie never strived for perfection, but rather for the best possible outcome. She realized perfection doesn't exist in this world, but that heart and hard work would always see her through. The day I met Sadie, she welcomed me with open arms, something rare in these days. She told me once that she expected nothing but the best from me. She told me that if I was going to be part of her family, she expected that I defend her daughter with the same determination as she would. And I will. She never looked back, never gave up, and remained determined to the end. The soldier has now returned home to a victor's welcome. Rest Sadie, your fight is over. If I have painted a picture of a force to be reckoned with, then I have given her honor. If I have failed, then just let me say this, "This world has lost a warrior with a heart for God, her family, and her country." As many of you know, Sadie was runner up for the challenger space shuttle mission where teacher Christa McAuliffe and 6 other souls met their end. When asked if she was happy she wasn't on that mission, she replied, "It would have been great, because I would have been part of history." I contend that she will always be part of history in the hearts and lives of those she taught and the lives she touched; but also, in all of you who knew and loved her. She will outlive us all. Sadie Margaret Curry had an illustrious career with accomplishments too numerous to list here today; however, here are some of them. Married to Frank 42 years. Runner up for NASA's Teacher in Space. Recognized by Senator Jim Pruitt for work on the Girl Scouts Cottaquilla Council Governor's Award Winner Energy Council Award for Excellence in Teaching Clean Campus Award So, as you can see, she was very committed to teaching the students to reach beyond the visible to reach the possible. On a personal note, Sadie was just like everyone of us, she had faults and things she would have liked to change. She never let those things take away her focus, and she never looked for the faults in others. She said if you look for perfection you will be disappointed and you will find faults every time. Instead, she was always looking for the good in people. In an effort to honor her legacy we should all do these three things: 1. Look for the good in people and know we might not agree with what we find. 2. Think for ourselves and do not except what is in front of us as truth. 3. Lastly, commit yourself to the work God has put before you, excellence wins over perfection every time. Thank you for honoring Sadie with us here today. Your Son-in-Law Troy Harrington

Tributes

Sadie Margaret Curry

December 14, 1933 - January 4, 2023