Sarah Frances Persinger Altizer, 83, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 18, 2026. She was born on January 23, 1943, in Williamson, West Virginia, to Howard Moses Persinger and Minnie Helen Johnson Persinger.
In addition to her parents, Sarah was preceded in death by her husband, Walter "Doc" Burton Altizer Jr., and her sister, Sylvia Linn Persinger Lents.
She is survived by her children: Sallie Elizabeth Altizer of Raleigh, North Carolina; Whitney Payne Altizer (Lindsay) of Debrecen, Hungary; and Rebecca Altizer Allen (Darrin) of Stokesdale, North Carolina. She is also survived by her beloved grandchildren (who could do no wrong in her eyes): Walter, Frances Gray, and Rebecca Hinson; Finn and Poppy Altizer; and Jasper, Henry, Liesel, and Miles Allen; her brother, Howard Moses Persinger Jr.; and many cherished nieces and nephews.
Sarah, affectionately referred to as "Tancy," was a proud graduate of Williamson High School's Class of 1960 and National Business College in Roanoke, Virginia. She began her career as a secretary at First National Bank in Roanoke and later worked in a law office in Eden, North Carolina, before dedicating herself to raising her three children. During those years, Sarah was a devoted and active volunteer in her children's schools, always eager to help wherever she was needed. She especially enjoyed cheering her children on in every endeavor, crafting handmade keepsakes -- especially through her beautiful cross-stitching -- and finding the perfect greeting card for every occasion.
Later in life, Sarah returned to work as the office manager at First Presbyterian Church in Martinsville, Virginia. She loved both the work and the people she served alongside, and on most days her laughter could be heard echoing down the hallways. People were drawn to her quick wit, warm spirit, and her unique ability to lovingly tease those she cared about most. She was truly one of a kind and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
A memorial service, followed by a reception, will be held at 2:00 on Tuesday, May 26 at First Presbyterian Church in Martinsville, Virginia. A private interment of cremains will take place at Persinger Memorial Cemetery in Potts Creek, near Covington, Virginia, at a later date.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to the compassionate staff and nurses of King's Grant Retirement Community, as well as the exceptional nurses, aides, and staff of Mountain Valley Hospice, for the loving care they provided during Sarah's final months.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Piedmont Arts, 215 Starling Avenue, Martinsville, Virginia; the Alzheimer's Association; Mountain Valley Hospice, 240 Commonwealth Blvd, West, Unit 602B, Martinsville, VA; or a local charitable organization of your choosing.
McKee-Stone Funeral Home is handling arrangements
