Alzada “Sadie” Tankersley Marion Combs, 99, of Pekin, Indiana, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 10, 2026, at her residence.
Sadie was born August 23, 1927, in Imboden, Virginia, the daughter of the late Burley R. Tankersley and Susie Jane (Clark) Tankersley. Shelived in Dryden area of Virginia and was a 1946 graduate of Dryden High School.
Sadie was a hard-working woman whose life was deeply rooted in her faith and her family. She was a devoted and wonderful mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother.
Her entire life was spent as a servant of the Lord, caring not only for her family and friends but extending kindness and help to strangers whenever she saw someone in need. She lived her faith through her actions, giving generously to herself and asking little in return.
She found happiness in the simple things in life. Sadie loved gardening and singing hymns, and she had a special love for animals including her beloved Sherlock and Princess. Her home was a place where family and friends were loved and cared for.
Sadie was a founding charter member of the First Baptist Church of Pekin, and her Christian faith remained at the center of her life. One of her favorite passages of Scripture was John 14:1–4, with its promise of the home Christ prepares for those who believe in Him. It was a passage she treasured and one that beautifully reflected the faith and hope with which she lived her life.
On October 1, 1987, Sadie married Truman Combs, who preceded her in death on May 3, 2003. Earlier in her life, she was married to the late William Marion Sr. Together, they had six children and built a family that would grow to include generations of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.
She is survived by her children, William Marion Jr. of Pekin, Kathy
Naugle of Pekin, Patricia Marion of Jeffersonville, Michael Marion (Can) of Salem, Melody Taylor Smith (Ronnie) of Pekin; Ermin Christopher Marion (Tammy) of Lexington; 18 grandchildren, 40 great-grandchildren, and 16 great-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Burley and Susie Jane
Tankersley: her husband, Truman Combs and her former husband William Marion Sr.; her eleven brothers and sisters; 5 grandchildren.
To those who knew and loved her, she was a source of strength, comfort, and unconditional love. Though Sadie will be deeply missed, the lessons she taught, the prayers she prayed, the example of faith she lived each day, and the love she gave so freely will remain in the hearts of her family for generations to come.
Visitation will be Sunday 9/13/2026 from 2pm to 6pm at Dawalt Funeral Home and Monday 9/14/2026 from 10am to 11am at the First Baptist Church of Pekin, Indiana with a Funeral Service at 11:00am with Pastor Will Smith officiating.
She will be laid to rest at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Pekin, Indiana.
Please make memorial contributions to the First Baptist Church at
1145 E 5th St. New Pekin IN. 47165
