Sara Elizabeth Baker McMahan

Sara Elizabeth Baker McMahan entered into eternal life on Aug. 25, 2015. A strong Christian of unwavering faith, she sought to serve Jesus Christ her entire life. Born on July 9, 1920 in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, she was a daughter of the late Jess W. and Dovie Connor Baker. During her growing up years, Sara was loved and protected by six brothers, five of whom were older. Since her mother died when she was eight, her brothers were especially devoted to their only sister. These brothers preceded her in death and were Fred Baker, Herschel Baker, Frank Baker, Roy Baker, Walter Baker and Harry Baker. It was in the Sylva-Dillsboro area that Sara met her future husband, Homer Henry McMahan. She was befriended by the entire McMahan family and was especially close to sisters Bessie and Cornelia. After marriage, Sara and Homer settled in the Gaston County NC area, as did many members of the McMahan family. Her career was with Pharr Yarns in McAdenville, NC from April 1942 until retirement in 1982, as a laboratory technician at the I-85 plant. Her dependability, friendly manner and strong work ethic made Sara a much valued employee.She was a long time resident of Cramerton, NC, caring for her family there in a home built by her hus-band. An active member of McAdenville Baptist Church for decades, she was affectionally known as "Auntie" to many nieces and nephews. Sara could be counted on to help anyone in need and had a giv-ing spirit. Family reunions and gatherings were always a high light in her life.She was preceded in death by her husband Homer in September of 1988. Her devotion to him was ex-pressed in many ways; one of the most striking being the way she loved the entire McMahan family as her own. In 1993 she relocated to Monroe, NC to live with her son, daughter-in-law and cherished granddaughter. She joined and became a vital member of Wingate Baptist Church, enjoyed many trips with the Good Timers Group, and remained active until failing health prevented it. She amazed every-one with her ability to keep busy despite advancing age. Her favorite expression was, "I want to carry my weight." She always did. She is survived by her son Ron McMahan and wife Linda of Monroe, NC; granddaughter Heather McMahan Carrier of Marshville, NC; and – the light of her life – great-grandson, Connor Carrier, who was given the name "Connor" in honor of Sara's mother, Dovie Connor Baker. The family wishes to express a word of thanks to special friends Bob and Dawn Young of Wingate Bap-tist Church for their unfailing devotion to our mother. Niece Rebecca Reece Pennell will always have a special place in our hearts for her love and support over the years. Also, the comfort given to her by White Oak of Waxhaw & Hospice & Palliative Care Charlotte Region these last few weeks has been excep-tional. The family will receive friends from 1 to 2 p.m. Saturday at Carothers Funeral Home at Gaston Memo-rial Park with a service to celebrate her life to follow at 2 p.m. Saturday in the Chapel of Carothers Funer-al Home at Gaston Memorial Park, Gastonia. Interment will follow at Gaston Memorial Park. Memorials may be made to Wingate Baptist Church, 109 E. Elm St., Wingate, NC or McAdenville Baptist Church, 192 Main St., McAdenville, NC.Online condolences may be made at: www.carothersfuneralhomegastonia.com.Carothers Funeral Home at Gaston Memorial Park, Gastonia is serving the McMahan family.