Mrs. Sara Neil Bullard Locklear, 88, of Maxton, North Carolina, peacefully departed this life, at her home, on Sunday, August 13, 2023. Mrs. Sara was born on September 9, 1934, to the late Mr. Lester and Mrs. Lorraine Bullard. She was preceded in death by her devoted husband of over 63 years: Mr. Delton Ray Locklear; sisters: Ms. Barbara Harris and Ms. Nancy Buckner; and brother: Mr. Michael Bullard.
The funeral will be 5 p.m. Friday, August 18, 2023 at Calvary Way Church. Burial will follow in the Bullard Family Cemetery.
Mrs. Sara’s memory lives on with her two loving sons: Mr. Anthony Locklear (Terri) and Mr. Richard Locklear (Charlene); stepson: Mr. David Locklear (Shirley); two sisters: Ms. Judy Chavis, and Ms. Peggy Clark; two brothers: Mr. James Earl Bullard (Sally) and Mr. Paul Reece (P.R.) Bullard (Sue). She also leaves behind her greatest blessings, her seven grandchildren: Dwan Locklear, Sherry Oxendine, Lester Locklear, Adrienne Chavis, A.C. Locklear II, Sara Locklear, and Avery Locklear; nine great-grandchildren; two special nieces: Beth Locklear and Niyah Chavis; a special neighbor: Mr. Mark Locklear; and a multitude of cherished nieces and nephews that lovingly referred to her as “Aunt Neil” or “Mama Neil.”
Mrs. Sara believed in the importance of education. She attended Prospect High School (class of 1951) and Pembroke State University (class of 1955), where she developed lifelong friendships and dedicated her life to teaching. Mrs. Sara taught at Prospect and Union Chapel Elementary Schools and adored her students and fellow teachers. Mrs. Sara was also a devoted child of God and a founding member of Calvary Way Baptist Church. The home she built with her beloved husband, Delton, was always buzzing with activity, and all her dear friends and family were always welcome at her table.
Mrs. Sara’s legacy will live on in her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, students, family, and friends.
The family will receive friends from 4-5 p.m. Friday, August 18, 2023 at Calvary Way Baptist Church.
