Sara Lynne Staley

Sara was an exquisite mix of prayer warrior, top salesperson of appliances at Ed Kellum, and an unceasing wit. The Source of Sara’s inexhaustible gift was simple. Jesus loved Sara, and she knew it. And, in turn, Sara loved Jesus back.

Sara never ventured very far from her Young Life roots. Her worn Bible was complimented with a quick wit, a wondrous humor, and always a twinkle in her eye.

She was ever ready to dress up for a skit. That segued into the Awards Ceremony and the Sequel Awards Ceremony of PCPC Women’s Retreat. The recipients of those awards and trophies, no doubt, have them in a place of prominence to this day.

She spent many years at Ed Kellum and Son. Her friends and appliance customers were forever touched by Sara’s circus tent heart, her love for Jesus, and her laughter. Only Sara could make buying a microwave fun (and spiritually impactful).

Her family and friends were most important to her. And oh, how she loved children! Sara had too many spiritual children to count. She was one of the seven Founding Board Members of Providence Christian School. She reveled in the accomplishments of others’ children. She was incapable of rocking infants in the Park Cities Presbyterian Church without praying for them. She faithfully prayed for her beloved nieces and nephew, delighting in holiday visits with them.

Sara was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2003 and bravely fought it for twenty years. She was deeply grateful for the loving care she was given by her caregivers, her physicians, and devoted friends, too numerous to count. She never complained, claiming 1 Thessalonians 5:16, “ Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” This verse is starred in her tattered Bible and is her life message.

A proud Tar Heel native of Shelby, North Carolina and graduate of Appalachian State University, Sara was born on April 15, 1945, the daughter of Roscoe Benjamin Staley and Dorothy Shomate Staley. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by a brother, Robert Allan Staley. She is survived by her brother and sister-in-law, Paul M. and Toinette P. Staley of Lynchburg, VA and sister-in-law, Sherry Staley Turner (Joel) of Pawleys Island, SC. Additionally, nephew Robert Payne Staley, and nieces Emily Cameron Staley Cadwell (Chuck), Eleanor Elizabeth Staley Krajewski(Joe), and Catherine Whittington Staley will cherish her memory. Great nephew, Theo Patrick Cadwell, was a special delight to Sara.

A memorial service will be held Friday, October 27, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. in the main sanctuary of Park Cities Presbyterian Church with Dr. Pete Deison and Dr. Lanier Burns officiating. A reception will follow in the Fellowship Hall. Should you so desire, donations to Young Life at 11300 N. Central Expy #600, Dallas, TX 75243 or to Providence Christian School at 5002 West Lovers Lane, Dallas, TX 75209 in Sara’s memory would be most welcome.