Obituaries

Sarah Norris Fricks

Sarah Norris Fricks: 1936 - 2026

Sarah Norris Fricks, 89, of Franklin NC, passed away Thursday, April 16, 2026. She was born September 2, 1936, in Edgefield, SC to the late Robert Harold Norris and Lela Bland Thompkins Norris.

Mrs. Fricks attended college at University of Mary Washington where she studied psychology. Early in her career, she was a bank officer before devoting herself to her family. Mrs. Fricks lived in many places throughout her life, including Germany, Springfield, IL, and Columbia, SC, before eventually settling in the North Carolina mountains. She was a Master Gardener, and her gardens were her greatest passion. She spent many years tending them, actively participating in the gardening community, and generously sharing her love of flowers with others. She had a natural gift for nurturing, evident not only in her gardens but also in the many pets she welcomed into her home over the years. Mrs. Fricks’ outlook on life was always empathetic, positive, and rooted in her faith. She was a devout Christian and member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Franklin. She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Clyde Fricks and her former husband Alfred Raoul Goodwyn III. Also preceding her in death were her parents, her sister Barbara Norris and her brother Robert Norris.

She is survived by her son, Alfred Raoul Goodwyn IV (Marcia); three grandchildren, Rachel Ellenberger (Tom), Drew Goodwyn (Sarah), and Sam Goodwyn (Tracey); and a brother, Richard T. Norris, Sr (Win).

A funeral service will be held Thursday, April 23, 2026, at 11:00 am at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. Interment will be at The Church of the Incarnation in Highlands, NC at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Foundation for the Blind.

Online condolences can be left at www.bryantgrantfuneralhome.com