Sarah W. Deese

Sarah Serenia Wentz Deese, 86, of Charlotte departed this earth to be with her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, February 21, 2017 at Peak Resources on Central Avenue. She had been in declining health due to severe osteoporosis and kidney disease.

Mrs. Deese was born in Charlotte on February 2, 1931. She was the daughter of the late Edgar Jackson Wentz and Laura Lamby Dover Wentz. She graduated from Tech High School in 1950. On September 17, 1950 she married her true love, Joe Harold Deese, Sr. and they were blessed to share almost 57 years together. Harold preceded her in death on July 3, 2007. She was also preceded in death by one sister, Patricia Dean Wentz and brothers Dolphus Franklin Wentz, Sr., Billy Melvin Wentz and Hugh Oliver Wentz, Sr.

She was a devoted daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, niece, cousin and friend. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her. She worked for Efird’s Department Store, North Carolina Food Dealers and Kristy Lynn Bridals; however, she will best be remembered for the loving childcare she provided for so many in her home. She was a caretaker at heart and many lives were touched by her compassionate and servant heart. She also blessed many with her wonderful baking skills, especially her birthday and wedding cakes. She was a member of Duncan Memorial Methodist Church, then was a charter member of Plaza United Methodist Church. Later she became a member of Faith Covenant Church of God, and then in 2006 became a member of Eastway Baptist Church. She served faithfully in each of her churches.

Sarah is survived by her daughter, Teresa Deese Heath and husband, Rick, of Atlanta, Georgia; son, Joe Harold Deese, Jr. and wife, Kim, of Gastonia, NC; son, Michael J. Deese and wife, Brenda, of Forest City, NC; six grandchildren, Chelsea Heath Humphrey and husband John of Ashburn, Virginia, Alicia Deese Holmes of Concord, NC, Kristen R Deese of Lincolnton, NC, Joshua M Deese and wife, Brandie of Mooresboro, NC, Emily Deese Molina and husband Joseph of Spindale, NC and Gabriel A. Deese of Forest City, NC; two step-grandchildren, Julia Reed and husband Bryan of Gastonia, NC and James Edwards and wife Amber of Canton, NC; seven great grandchildren, McKenna Humphrey, Penelope Humphrey, Taylor Holmes, Rachel Holmes, Caleb Preston, Sophia Molina and Maya Molina; and four step great grandchildren, Michael Parham, Zoey Parham, Boston Reed and Braylin Reed. She is also survived by two sisters, Verta Wentz Barrett of Stallings, NC and Barbara Wentz Powell and husband Richard of Rock Hill, SC; two brothers, Robert L. Wentz and wife Tulon, and Howard S. Wentz and wife Margaret of Charlotte; sisters-in-law Beverly Wentz Helms, Lucille Deese Martin, Marilyn Deese and Iola Deese; two Godchildren, Melody Smith Steigerwalt and Hugh (Chip) Wentz, Jr. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family would like to thank Dr. Barry Welbourne and Dr Peter Justis for all the loving care you gave to Sarah over the years.

Visitation and funeral services will both be held at Eastway Baptist Church, 2749 Eastway Drive, Charlotte, NC 28205. Visitation will be on Friday, February 24, 2017 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 25, 2017 and will be conducted by Rev. Michael Owens and assisted by Rev. Johnny Helms and Rev. David Gales. Her nephews will serve as pallbearers. Mrs. Deese will be laid to rest at Sunset Memory Gardens.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials to Eastway Baptist Church, 2749 Eastway Drive, Charlotte, NC 28205 or Hospice & Palliative Care Charlotte Region, 1420 East Seventh Street, Charlotte, NC 28204. McEwen Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Mint Hill Chapel, is serving the family of Mrs. Deese.