Sara Sloop Childers

Sara Childers passed away on January 25th. She was the daughter of Lynn and Lucille Phillips Sloop. She was the eldest of 5 children: Kenneth, Edna, Wayne, and Mildred.

Raised in Harrisburg, Sara was a proud 1953 graduate of Harrisburg High School. Music was her lifelong passion, and she shared that gift faithfully for decades. While serving at Landis Baptist Church, she met the love of her life, Everett Childers. They married on December 4, 1954. They were married 69½ years.

In 1960, Everett joined the Highway Patrol and the family moved to Gaston County. Sara became the pianist at Beach Avenue Baptist. In 1965, Everett was transferred to Cabarrus County and Sara served as pianist at Tabernacle Baptist for nearly twenty years.

Her music ministry continued at Central Baptist for many more years. Her dedication never waned. She later simultaneously played for the early service at Parkwood Baptist as well as for both the morning and evening services at Southside Baptist.

When Sara no longer was able to attend church in person, she played for the Faithful Seniors Sunday School Class via Zoom.

In addition to her musical ministry, Sara worked as a secretary for Rowan County DSS. After retirement, she and Everett began delivering school buses across the U.S., including trips as far as Alaska.

Usually in their motor home, Sara and Everett visited all 50 States and the state capitols – often alongside their dear friends, Larry and Pat Luther.

Sara was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her son, Randy, her grandson, Christopher, and all her siblings.

She is survived by daughter, Robbie Ruffin (Mike), and her sons, Alan (Theresa) and Todd (Christina). She also leaves behind ten grandchildren and many greatgrandchildren. Sara truly loved each one of them!

Visitation will be held Thursday, January 29, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Parkwood Baptist Church in Concord, NC, with the funeral service immediately following.

Burial will take place Friday, January 30 at 12:00 noon at Westlawn Cemetery in China Grove.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Parkwood Baptist Church Building Fund or to Samaritan’s Purse.