Former Knox County Commission Chair Tank Strickland tells 10News that he has received word from close friends that community leader Sarah Moore Greene has died at age 102.
Sarah Moore Greene was a civil rights activist and education advocate who was the first African American to be elected to the Knox County School Board.
Sarah Moore Greene Elementary School was named for Mrs. Greene in 1974.
Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett ordered that flags at all Knox County government facilities be flown at half-staff in honor of Greene. Mayor Burchett and Knoxville Mayor Madeline Rogero have ordered that the flag outside of the City County Building be flown at half-staff as well.
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Gov. Bill Haslam said this on the passing of Sarah Moore Greene:
"Knoxville and the state of Tennessee have lost a treasure. Mrs. Greene has been a friend, mentor and advisor to me, and I will miss her counsel and her friendship. I truly think that Sarah Moore Greene will go down in history as one of the most influential citizens of our state."
Knox Co. Mayor Tim Burchett released the following statement after learning about the passing of Sarah Moore Greene:
"Sarah Moore Greene was a dear friend of my family. She lived an amazing life dedicated to our community. I can remember going to school board meetings as a little boy with her and my father. They forged an incredible relationship, and I think one of the things my father was most proud of was helping to name a school after Sarah at a time when recognizing African Americans wasn't at all popular. Her wonderful personality and spirit will be missed."
U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander released the following statement on the passing of Sarah Moore Greene:
"Sarah Moore Greene's century of life sets an example for all of us. Her commitment to fairness and her kindness toward others made her a beloved citizen not just of our state, but of our nation."
Knox County Commission Chair Mike Hammond released this statement:
"Our community has lost a remarkable leader. As a distinguished civil rights activist and tremendous advocate for those less fortunate, Sarah Moore Greene has been a personal hero. As a champion of children and a celebrated supporter of education, Sarah Moore Greene has been a personal ally and friend. She will be deeply missed."
Statement from Reggie Mosley, Principal at Sarah Moore Greene Elementary:
"We are truly saddened to learn of the passing of Ms. Sarah Moore Greene. Our community has benefited tremendously from her contributions to this school and she will be greatly missed. Ms. Greene was the epitome of a servant leader and her legacy will continue to have an enormous impact on the education of our children for many years to come."