Sarah Gail Stringer

Sarah Gail Fincher was born September 7, 1941 to Edna Ruth Thompson and Carl Bernard Fincher in Atlanta, Georgia. She went to be with Jesus on Christmas Eve Sunday December 24th, 2023 just as she would have wanted.

Her early years were spent with her parents and beloved Sister Lynda Ruthe in Abbeville, SC where her father worked as an Inspector for the railroad. When Sarah was 5 years old, the family moved back to Atlanta to be near relatives including her precious Cousins Edna Mae and Patsy Jane. The family attended Grant Park Baptist and Inman Park Baptist churches where she participated in Girls in Action (GAs) learning about Missionaries and memorizing scriptures. She felt the Lord’s call upon her life and asked Jesus to be her Lord and Savior when she was 9 years old. This happened during a lengthy illness and during which the Lord reminded her of previously memorized scriptures that brought great comfort to her.

Sarah spent her school years in Atlanta at W.F. Slaton Elementary School and Franklin Delano Roosevelt High School where she was in the Band, Orchestra and Latin Club. She excelled in Band and lettered playing the flute and string base in the Orchestra.

After graduating in 1959, she attended Wesleyan College on a music scholarship. Following her time in college Sarah went to work for the City of Atlanta in the parks and recreation department. Then, after taking the Civil Service Exam, she worked for the IRS, the Veteran’s Administration, the General Services Administration and the Defense Contract Administration.

Sarah married the love of her life Lamar Stringer after meeting him on a blind date. Over their lifetime together they lived in Smyrna, GA, Hickory Flat (Canton) GA, Knoxville, TN, Louisville, KY finally settling in Arlington Texas in 1976. Sarah was a homemaker and raised five children which she considered to be her most important job. She was involved in her children’s schools and countless activities all while her Husband traveled regularly for work. Her favorite pastime was reading and loved books of all genres. She was an avid gardener and a fantastic cook and made sure that her family was well cared for in all aspects.

She faithfully served as a church volunteer for Northside Baptist and then their mission location Lamar Baptist Church. For 40 years she served on various committees, teaching Sunday School classes, Vacation Bible School, participating in prayer groups and was able to lead countless people to Christ from all walks of life. Sarah’s life was also transformed by Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) where she served for over 30 years as a member, Leader and Class Administrator. Her love for her church and BSF families brought her immeasurable joy and friendships that she enjoyed here and will again in Eternity. Her relationship with the Lord and prayer life touched others and sustained her through the many difficulties she experienced over the course of her life.

Sarah’s Grandchildren were precious to her and she made it her mission to teach them to read so that they too could study God’s word and learn of His love for them. Her greatest desire was that her children and grandchildren would love and know Jesus in a saving way and live their lives as a testament to Him. She attended their many school, sporting and church events over the years and had such pride for how each used their unique talents in various ways.

Throughout her lifetime she modeled forgiveness, service, strength of character and taught that the Lord made every person for a purpose and that we should try to see others as God sees them, putting others first. Over her lifetime the Lord refined her and created a deep desire in her to live so that Jesus would be evident in her daily life for His glory and not her own. We believe that upon her passing, Jesus was able to say to her, “Well done, my good and faithful Servant.”

Sarah was preceded in death by her Parents Edna and Carl, her Husband Lamar and her daughter Gina. She is survived by her daughter Cheree and Son-in-law Michael, daughter Rachel, sons Carl and Paul, grandchildren Alan, Abby, Paxton, Luke, Ava, Lydia, Phoebe and great grand daughter Claire. She is also survived by her sister Lynda Ruthe, cousins Patsy Jane and Edna Mae and several nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Lamar Baptist Church or Bible Study Fellowship.

A funeral service for Sarah will be held Saturday, January 6, 2024 at 10:00 AM at Lamar Baptist Church, 1000 W. Lamar Blvd, Arlington, Texas 76012.