Obituary - Sarah Martin Scanlon

Mrs. Sarah Martin Scanlon, 91, of Richmond, VA was joyfully received into the arms of Jesus on October 12, 2022 surrounded by family and friends singing and praying her into heaven. She was predeceased by her husband of nearly 68 years, A. Clark Scanlon; parents, Dr. and Mrs. Lewis W. Martin; and twin sister Marah Dillard (Douglas). Surviving family includes son, Michael Scanlon (Kent Reilly III) of Austin, TX; daughter, Sherri Spivey (Tom) of Richmond, VA; granddaughter, Annie Spivey of Davenport, FL; sister, Becky Martin of Nashville, TN; brother, Lewis W. Martin, Jr. of Irving, TX and beloved nieces and nephews.

Sarah Martin was born the identical twin of Marah Martin on January 6, 1931 at home in Hazard, KY, and moved to Decatur, GA when she was 12. Her parents worked with the Southern Baptist Home Mission Board in KY, GA, and HI. Sarah, graduated from Georgetown College in Georgetown, KY in 1952 with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with a minor in Spanish. She worked in summer missions with Hispanic children in Houston, Texas and New Mexico before attending Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas in the fall of 1952. There she worked the switchboard in the boys’ dorm and met her sister’s fiancee's “swell” roommate whom she would marry on May 22, 1953. After being appointed in October of 1953, Sarah served alongside her husband with the Southern Baptist International Mission Board in Guatemala and the Dominican Republic from 1954 to 1980. She was involved with Christian education, counseling, hospitality ministry, and music education and ministry, teaching piano and music, and directing choirs and playing piano at the Baptist seminary in Guatemala City, Guatemala and in local churches in Guatemala and Santo Domingo, DR.

Sarah had a deep love for her Guatemalan brothers and sisters and welcomed all into her artistically decorated home, melding early American décor with Latin American art. She especially enjoyed working with young people and taking them on choir trips around the country. Doña Sarita, as she was known in Spanish, served as hostess to countless volunteer groups and visitors, making many an airport run and introducing guests to the wonders of Guatemalan cuisine and handiwork. She was a gifted seamstress, making exceptional clothing for herself and her daughter and even creating a wedding dress for a dear friend. She always had a knack for fashion and accessorizing, often creating her own jewelry and accent pieces.

Sarah was a writer of Christian magazine articles for publication by the Women's Missionary Union, and of a children's book called Carlos and the Yellow Sandbucket which was used in teaching children about international missions. She wrote devotionals and curriculum in both English and Spanish.

Sarah was a caring and loving sister, wife, mother, grandmother, teacher, and friend. Her Christian faith and call were at the core of her life, starting as a teenager. When her husband was named to an administrative position in Richmond, VA she became involved in teaching/attending Sunday School and singing in the choir at Derbyshire Baptist Church, Gayton Baptist Church and First Baptist Church Richmond. Sarah continued using her Spanish to interpret for individuals and Henrico County Courts as well as in women’s prison ministry.

Special thanks to Teri, Tasha, Sharlene, Barbra, Latoyoa, Celia and many other caregivers, including the staff of Beth Sholom Gardens, who lovingly cared for Sarah over the last several years.

Family will welcome friends on Thursday, October 20, 2022 at Woody Funeral Home - Parham from 5 to 7 PM. Private Burial will be held on Friday, October 21 at Westhampton Memorial Park. A joint celebration of life in English and Spanish will be held for Sarah Martin Scanlon and A. Clark Scanlon on Thursday, December 15, 2022 in the sanctuary with a reception to follow in Flamming Hall of First Baptist Church, Richmond.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at woodyfuneralhomeparham.com for the Scanlon family.