Sarah Ann Poellnitz, affectionately known as "Cookie" to family and friends, was born on March 13, 1959, in Cincinnati, Ohio. On December 24, 2025, God gently called His beloved daughter home, wrapping her in eternal peace.

Sarah was the cherished daughter of the late James Blakely and Nellie Blakely. She attended Hughes High School and later pursued her passion for beauty and self-expression at Tri-State Beauty College, where she began her career as a hairstylist. Her hands were gifted—not only in styling hair but in caring for people and making them feel seen and confident.

Her faith journey was meaningful and heartfelt. Sarah began attending church with friends and later worshipped alongside her late Aunt Sally, faithfully serving as an usher. In 2008, she became a member of Tabernacle Baptist Church, where she continued to grow spiritually and serve with love.

Sarah was truly one of a kind—outgoing, full of life, and often the heartbeat of any room she entered. As she grew older, some described her as tough, but those who truly knew her understood that beneath that strong exterior was a deeply loving, loyal, and protective woman. She did not tolerate disrespect, but her heart was pure. She was outspoken, honest, and unforgettable—able to correct you one moment and love you hard the next.

She was a mother figure to many and a safe place for those in need. Sarah loved cooking (and would tell you the truth about your food), drawing, gardening, playing cards, and shopping—often taking her time and enjoying every moment. Life, to her, was meant to be lived fully.

Above all else, Sarah was a devoted mother and nana. Her children and grandchildren were her heart, her pride, and her purpose. She fiercely protected and loved them—no exceptions. Known affectionately as a "tough cookie," she was real, authentic, and unwavering in her love.

Sarah leaves to cherish her memory her loving mother, Nellie Blakely; her son, Marquee Poellnitz; her daughter, Nashia Poellnitz; her siblings, James Poellnitz, Angela Hillman, Diane Norman (Steve), and Carol Poellnitz; and her twelve beloved grandchildren: Nathan Jr., Makayla, Anay'jaiah, Madelyn, Maya, My'Asia, Neveah, Dream, Maliya, Alaya, Destinee, and Na'la, along with a host of relatives and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her father, James Blakely; her beloved son, Nathan Edward Poellnitz; her sister, Marva Allen (Cricket); and her aunt, Anna Bell Rogers (Sally).

Sarah's legacy lives on in the laughter she sparked, the meals she cooked, the lessons she taught, and the love she gave so freely. She will forever remain in our hearts—unapologetically real, deeply loved, and truly irreplaceable.

Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from 2:00 pm until 3:00 pm, on  Saturday, January 24, 2026, at the Walker Funeral Home - Walnut Hills Chapel, 2625 Gilbert Avenue, Cincinnati  (45206).   The funeral service will immediately follow the visitation,  beginning at 3:00 pm. Friends and family will gather to share memories, find solace in one another's company, and honor the legacy she leaves behind.

We invite you to take a few moments to share fond memories and words of comfort and condolence with the Poellnitz family. Please click the "Tribute Wall" icon above and to the right, enter the information, and click "Save Post."

Walker Funeral Home and Crematory  is caring for the Poellnitz family during this difficult time.  Please call 513.251.6200 or visit www.HerbWalker.com for additional information.