Dr. Sarah Moore Shoffner

Dr. Sarah Moore Shoffner, beloved educator, community leader, and devoted mother and grandmother, passed away unexpectedly at her home in Liberty, North Carolina, on March 6, 2026, just weeks after celebrating her 86th birthday.

Born on February 11, 1940, she was the daughter of Sallie Pearson Moore and Lyman Lyndon Moore of Liberty. Sarah’s life was defined by curiosity, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to education, service, and community.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 51 years, Eugene Shoffner, who passed away in 2011. Sarah and Eugene made their home in Greensboro for many years before returning to Liberty in 2008. She is survived by her two sons, Blair Shoffner (Carrinne) of Julian and David Shoffner (Kate) of Apex; her sister, Helen Teter of Liberty; and her cherished grandchildren, Lane Shoffner, Logan Shoffner (Kylie), and Julia Shoffner.

A lifelong educator, she devoted much of her energy to teaching and engagement at UNC Greensboro. A three-time alumna of the University’s School of Human and Environmental Sciences, she served the institution for 43 years before retiring in 2005 as Professor Emerita. Her influence shaped generations of students and colleagues, leaving an enduring mark on the academic community.

Retirement only deepened her dedication to the university she loved. Sarah tirelessly supported the advancement of UNCG through service on numerous boards, committees, and foundations. Most recently, in 2025, she served on the committee responsible for renovating and naming the Marcus T. Johnson Alumni House. In 2023, she contributed to the design team that created and installed a sculpture honoring the legacy of the original Woman’s College era—an era she proudly experienced as a student.

A woman of boundless energy and civic spirit, Sarah was deeply engaged in a wide range of professional and community organizations. Among them were Kappa Omicron Nu, the Women’s Professional Forum, the Philanthropic Educational Organization, the American Home Economics Association, the National Council on Family Relations, and the NC Family Life Council. She also gave generously of her time to the Liberty Arts Guild, local library committees in Liberty and Randolph County, her church family, and enthusiast groups including the General Greene Antique Auto Club and the Gate City Triad Mustang Club.

Creativity was central to Sarah’s life. A highly skilled seamstress and needleworker, she frequently donated her handmade pieces to causes she held dear. After retiring, she embraced painting and studied art with passion, becoming a talented multimedia artist. She also enjoyed cooking, fitness, nutrition, reading, gardening, and was known for her exceptional eye for design and fashion.

Those who knew Sarah remember her as a dynamic and inspiring presence—someone who approached every endeavor with enthusiasm, intellect, and generosity of spirit. She was a true force of nature and a shining example of service, dedication, and a life fully and beautifully lived.

She will be missed beyond measure by her family, friends, former students, colleagues, and all who were fortunate to know her. The energy and generosity she shared with the world will continue to inspire and shape lives for years to come.

A memorial service celebrating Sarah’s life will be held at UNCG’s Marcus T. Johnson Alumni House (404 College Avenue, Greensboro) at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, March 20. The family will receive friends following the service at the Alumni House.

A visitation will also be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 19, at Loflin Funeral Home in Liberty.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made to the Sarah Moore Shoffner Program Endowment at UNCG, accessible through the University’s website under giving opportunities or by using the link below. Donations will help continue the work and values to which she devoted her remarkable life.

https://go.uncg.edu/sarahshoffnerendowment