Sarah was born January 21, 1933 in Enterprise, AL. She was the oldest daughter of John William and Martha Bain Benton. She was a graduate of the University of Alabama, with a Bachelor degree in elementary education and a Masters of library science. Her lifelong calling was in elementary school education; her last job was as the librarian at Elliott Point Elementary School.

            Sarah and her husband, James Madaris, moved to Fort Walton Beach in 1960 and established Madaris Printing Company. Her church home for almost 60 years was First Baptist Church of Ft. Walton Beach.

            She is survived by her husband, Leo H. Hicks, Sr., her sons James Madaris, Jr. (Sandra) and Michael Madaris (Lisa), five grandchildren, and four great-granddaughters. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Ann Benton, and her three sisters: Laura Greer (Harold), Joyce Morrow (John), and Jean Heath (Fred).

            In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Sarah may be made to the charity of choice.

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