Sara Cook Rumsey

Our Mom, Sara Cook Rumsey, 98, devoted wife, mother, and grandmother died April 30, 2022. She was born August 18, 1923, raised in Bogart, Georgia and attended the University of Georgia until she married her beloved husband Ted of Rochester, NY. She met Ted on a blind date while he was teaching at Georgia Tech and in 1946 their lives took them to the Peninsula of Virginia where he worked at NASA.

She was a member of the First Methodist Church of Hampton, where she taught in the children’s division for many years. She had a passion for learning and continued her education at Old Dominion University and the College of William and Mary, working toward a degree in Fine Arts. The love of many forms of art was a passion to her.

She painted, refinished furniture, sewed many of her children’s clothes, and donated many hours to floral decorations, creating beauty in each of her works. In 1963 the family moved to Marlbank Farm in Yorktown where she was an active member of Zion United Methodist Church in Seaford for 38 years. She was a member of the UMW Bessie Ironmonger Circle, and taught in the 3rd and 5th grades. She worked as a stenographer for several years at Ft Monroe. For over 20 years, she volunteered with the American Red Cross as the chairman and coordinator of the York-Poquoson foreign language bank, managing the response for interpreters. She also loved travelling and took every opportunity to visit family and friends, including trips to Europe and the Holy Land.

After the death of her beloved husband, she moved to Williamsburg to be near Williamsburg Community Chapel where she attended the remainder of most of her life.

She is survived by: her daughter, Tedra Skaar (Don) of Helena, Montana; her son, Chip Rumsey (Karissa) of Fishers, Indiana; five grandchildren, Rachel Skaar, Taylor and Roland Wittel, and Alissa and Robin Rumsey; nephews Gerald Sheive (Judy Williams), David Sheive (Ellen); nieces Joyce Sisson (Randy), Jean Cochrane (Walt), other extended family; and her dear friend Jean Stewart.

She was preceded in death by her daughter Tamara Wittel. She dearly loved her three children and their spouses, and had a special love for her grandchildren.

Mom’s years of devotion to family was only eclipsed by her love for the Lord. Her life was an example of Christ’s love among us, and she had a continuous personal affection for all her friends and relatives. She had an endless spirit of kindness. Her greatest joy was to spend time with her family, relatives and friends. Her memory will forever comfort and encourage us. May God’s grace once again prove itself sufficient for each one that knew Mom .

In lieu of flowers, the family request that expression of sympathy take the form of contribution to Williamsburg Community Chapel. A service will be held Sunday July 24 at Nelsen Funeral Home, Williamsburg at 2pm.