A Farewell Tribute to Mother Sadie A. Tallie

Sadie A. Tallie, born in Clinton, North Carolina, July 2, 1933, to the late Roosevelt and Elvira Raynor, passed this life at home, September 23, 2025, after a long illness. She relocated to New York, first settling in Beacon before finding her true home in the City of Newburgh.

Mother Tallie, as she was known by her church community, was a lifelong member of the Mt. Carmel Church of Christ, Disciples of Christ, Inc. She was a soldier in God’s army, serving in numerous capacities locally, on the district, and national levels.

The list of credentials that surround her name is extensive. Her accomplishments far exceed the parameters of a short biography. However, what truly defines Sadie Tallie is the incomparable size of her heart, the passion she possesses for what is true and right, and the way she simply makes people feel.

As a devoted political activist, she championed many community agencies and programs, including the Coalition for People’s Rights, for which she served as the Executive Director for 25 years.

Mother Tallie, had a vision more than six decades ago to make her Newburgh community a better, more fair, loving, and united place for all people. Through her dedicated involvements in such platforms as; The Democratic Party, The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission, The Coalition for People’s Rights, Black History Committee of the Hudson Valley and The Empower Women of Hope, Tallie was able to accomplish all of that and so much more.

Tallie was not only immersed in fighting for civil rights and providing an entourage of unifying events for the community, she was a passionate advocate for the youth, insisting they not forget their history as well as develop a hard work ethic, respect for education as well as their elders and possess a spiritual foundation.

“She has a true passion for youth, and has helped so many excel, taking them under her tutelage, becoming doctors and lawyers and successful in many ways,” said Elder Dr. Thermond Herring of the Mount Carmel Church of Christ Disciples of Christ during an awards program honoring her in 2022.

She is survived by her beloved sister, Minnie Pearl Wynn, many sons, daughters, relatives, and friends, and was predeceased by her husband, William J. Tallie.

Visitation will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. on Friday, October 3rd at Mt. Carmel Church of Christ Disciples of Christ, 1524 Route 300, Newburgh, NY with funeral services following at 5 p.m. under the direction of Rhodes Funeral Homes.