Sarah Louise Merritt

Sarah was a spirit who left a piece of herself with everyone she touched. She was a loving and devoted wife to her husband for 62 years, Ivan (Bud), until his death in 2021. She was a tender mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, daughter, sister and aunt. She was known to all as a lady who spent her time and energy for the benefit of others. Her compassion and charitable acts of kindness to those in need were a way of life for her.

She lived a full and rewarding life, a true giver in all respects. She graced us with her warmth, beautiful sense of style, and gift of hospitality. Social gatherings, where she shared her excellent culinary skills with family and friends, will be forever cherished. She will also be remembered for her strong sense of family, personal charm, infectious laughter and lilting southern dialect.

Sarah was a long-time educator serving as a Teacher, Curriculum Consultant, Principal, Educational Diagnostician, Special Education Director and completed her career as an Adjunct Professor for Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. She was a master mentor for teachers new to the profession and her supervision and guidance provided for many successful teachers.

In college, Sarah served as President of her sorority, Sigma Sigma Sigma, and was selected as a campus beauty/personality favorite. She received her Master’s Degree and completed doctoral course work at the University of Houston.

Sarah was a faithful member of St. Luke’s Methodist Church where she served on many committees, was a dedicated member of her Sunday School Class, the Chancel Choir, United Methodist Women and active in the Emmaus Community. She enjoyed Bible and inspirational studies and belonged to several Bridge Clubs, Bunko and Onze groups.

As a breast cancer survivor, Sarah was a strong advocate within the cancer community. She volunteered for the American Cancer Society, serving on the Board as Patient Services Coordinator and Breast Health Committee Chairperson. She was a member of First Friday, and a volunteer for the Coastal Bend Wellness Foundation, fitting cancer patients and survivors with a free bra and prostheses. Sarah was presented the President’s Award for her faithful service as a Reach to Recovery volunteer, counseling cancer patients through their journey of healing. She was chosen as the Breast Cancer Local Hero in 2006, and in 2014, she was chosen as a “Pink Diva” for her extensive volunteer work. She gave of her time unconditionally and was blessed as she blessed others.

Her passions were loving her family, friends, and her husband, Bud! They traveled extensively in their motor home, took numerous cruises, and traveled through many countries. Sarah so delighted the world with her impish wit, feisty spirit, twinkling eyes and sense of humor; and leaves a legacy of courage, faith, forgiveness and love to all who knew her.

Sarah was preceded in death by her precious husband, Ivan (Bud), her parents, George and Helen Biggs, her mother and father-in-law Ivan and Ethel Merritt, her sisters, Irene, Georgia, Jeanette, Martha, Mary Ann, Julia, Joye, and her sister-in-law Sara White. She is survived by her sons Scott Carter and wife Teresa, John Andrew and wife Rondell, grandsons Grayson Kent, Britton Andrew and Dakota Zane. She is also survived by sisters Ruth, Carolyn, Gloria (Rosamond), brother Nathan, and brother-in-law Jim White.

Visitation will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, December 27, 2024, at Memory Gardens Funeral Home located at 8200 Old Brownsville Rd. Corpus Christi, TX 78415 with service to follow. A reception will be held in the Memory Gardens Estate Room following the graveside service.

Memorial gifts may be made to St. Luke’s Methodist Church, 3151 Reid Dr., 78404.

Rest in God’s arms dear Mom. Dance and sing with Dad and the family and friends who are already in Heaven, delighted to welcome you home. As you are with us in spirit, we find solace that you now reside with God. We love you beyond words. You are our Sunshine.