Obituary of Sarah "Sally" Ann Mallett Tomlinson

Mrs. Sarah “Sally” Ann Mallett Tomlinson, 89 of Chapel Hill passed away on Friday, March 19, 2021 at Carolina Meadows.

Sally was born on August 10, 1931 in Orange, New Jersey to Norman James Mallett and Irene Snyder Mallett.  She attended Briarcliff Manor Jr. College in New York state, where she met her husband, Dr. Russell F. Tomlinson, Jr. of 38 years on a blind date. They married at Wyoming Presbyterian Church in Millburn, New Jersey in 1952.  Dr. Tomlinson preceded her in death in 1990.

Sally was employed by Mrs. Helen Bagby for many years as an accompanist for her dance studio.  Sally had a passion for the piano, especially classical.  She also enjoyed her work as Volunteer Coordinator at the Chapel Hill Senior Center, where she made many lasting friendships.  Her other interests included books, needlepoint, cooking and traveling.  She especially enjoyed traveling with her sister, Janet as well and her lifelong friends Lois and Betty.  Some of her favorite trips were to Italy and France.   She spent many summers on a fishing boat untangling the line for her husband so he could pursue his passion of fishing in the lakes of Wisconsin, where countless family memories were made. In her later years, she enjoyed visits from her children and grandchildren who always came with her favorite snack: Diet Coke (with ice and a straw!) and kettle potato chips.

Sally had a very friendly personality and truly enjoyed talking to everyone!  She kept her easygoing spirit right up until the end of her life, never complaining but always offering a smile and a laugh.  She will be remembered as a wonderful wife, homemaker, mother and grandmother.

Left to cherish her memory are her children, Linda T. Tayouga (ElHaj) of Chapel Hill, Russell F. Tomlinson, III of Eden, NC and Kathryn T. Brown (Randall) of High Point, NC; grandchildren, Sarah, Alexander, Rachel, Rebecca; sister Janet M. Zachara, brother James Mallett and 9 nieces and nephews.

A private graveside service will be held in Chapel Hill. 

Walker’s Funeral Home in Chapel Hill is assisting the family.