Sally Locklear

Sally Cummings Locklear was born on February 17, 1948 in the St. Annah community of Pembroke, N.C., and passed away on March 8, 2025, at her home on Onnie-Joe Road surrounded by family members. She was the devoted wife of Mr. Edward Hayes Locklear for fifty-one years. Sally and Ed are the proud parents of two sons, Edward Anthony of the home and David Thomas of Quinton, Virginia. They have two cherished grandchildren, Daniel Ray and Hannah Mercy of Quinton, Virginia. 

Sally is the daughter of Foy Cummings and Hildith “Bloss” Chavis Cummings. She is survived by siblings Louise, Michael (Quae), Eunice, Randall (Carol), Barbara (Johnny Oxendine), Phyllis, and a host of nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews. Also surviving are brothers-in-law Doug (Janice) and Paul (Sandra) and sister-in-law Doris Ann. She was predeceased by her parents and siblings Donald, Carlton, Carolyn, Amelia, Jerry, Henderson, Timothy, Ronald, Robert, Raymond, and Brenda.  As well she was predeceased by father-in-law David Locklear, mother-in-law Vergie Davis Locklear, David Ray, and Lewis.

In the late sixties, Sally was the first American Indian student to integrate Red Springs High School.  She was a quiet trailblazer who worked diligently and earned the status as valedictorian of her class although she was awarded salutatorian because of biases in the system. She never let that treatment bias her against anyone or against educational achievement.  She went on to graduate from Pembroke State University with a Bachelor’s degree in English. 

Sally taught English at Littlefield High School and Lumberton High School until she retired in 2001. In retirement, she tutored young students in reading and writing sessions. Over the years, wherever she went she ran into former students and was thrilled to keep up with them. There are many testimonies of what a good teacher she was.

After marriage, Sally became a lifelong member of Prospect United Methodist Church and regularly attended until her health began to fail in 2001. She was the center of her Locklear and Cummings families, always preparing meals, and providing advice and support to younger nieces and nephews wherever needed. She was a refuge for these young ones. She was legendary for her care for her parents and her elderly Aunt Dib, Aunt Esther, Aunt Margie, and anyone who needed assistance. She was a giver and would never be outdone. If you gave her something, she gave you more in return. 

Sally was a beacon of love for her sisters and brothers as they traveled back and forth home from across the country. It was always “Let’s go to Sal and Ed’s for some good cooking.”  Sally and Ed’s house was the place they gathered for the best home-cooked meal possible, especially her chocolate-soaked sheet cake.  Ed always had a wealth of fresh vegetables and a freezer full of meats, including plenty of deer meat and freshly caught fish.  Everyone in the family went to Sal and Ed’s to eat.  

Sally’s life was “a life well lived” and we thank God for her. Her favorite hymn was “Jesus Savior, pilot me” and He has safely taken her to the shore.

The family would like to give special thanks to Danielle Locklear for her compassionate and selfless care of our beloved Sal.  

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