Sarah Simmons Everitt

Sarah Simmons Page Everitt died on March 10, 2016 at the age of 86. She was born in Perth Amboy, New Jersey on November 6, 1929 and was a life-long resident of Toms River, New Jersey, graduating from Toms River High School in 1948.

Aside from her commitment to her family, Sarah’s life was defined by her faith and her service to Christ Episcopal Church, where she was a parishioner for over 80 years. Sarah sang in the St. Raphael Choir for 60 years and was awarded the St. Dunstan’s Shield for her continuous service. In addition, her dedication to Christ Church included serving two terms on the vestry, chairing the Holiday Fair for eight years, and serving as secretary to the W.C.C. Her other ministries included Alpha, Cursillo, IHN, stewardship committee, altar guild, and the search committee that called The Rev. Joan Pettit Mason as rector. It was a source of great pride to Sarah to serve as a member of Christ Church for three generations of the Pettit family. At Trinity Cathedral in September of 2015 Sarah received the prestigious Older Adults Ministry, Witness, and Leadership Award by the Bishop of New Jersey, The Right Reverend William (Chip) Stokes.

Sarah retired from F. W. Woolworth Company after 21 years, beginning her career behind the lunch counter and then as a traveling supervisor for 35 food units in three states and later as a personnel manager; she worked for Senator John Russo’s legislative office in Toms River, and for Lens Crafters in Mays Landing.

Sarah was married to Merle Everett and had four children, Carol Everett Schott (Greg), Portland, OR; John Everett (Desiree) Winchester, VA; Michael Everett (Kathy), Linwood, NJ; and James Everett (Jo-Ann), Toms River, NJ. Sarah was later married to, and predeceased by Robert Page (1986) and Jack Everitt (2001). Sarah is also predeceased by two sisters, Marre Farrow Learn and Cornelia Simmons Vannozzi.

Sarah is survived by 9 grandchildren: Jennifer Morford (Ken), Abby Stotsenberg (Greg), Kelly Seitzinger (John), Brittany Everett, Andrew Everett, Seth Everett (Nicole), Jonathan Everett (Paula), Rosemary Carbona, Lauren Gorda (Steve); 13 great-grandchildren: Jonathan, Rebecca, Emily, Christian, Jeremy, True, Kaleigh, Cole, Connor, Isabella, Liam, Braden, Daniel and 5 great-great grandchildren: Benjamin, Manny, Lila, Liam, Vinncent. She is also survived by sisters, Noel Simmons Jennewine and Jane Simmons Bond, nephew Richard Vannozzi, niece Marie Knibbe and Daughter-In-Law Patti Dugan Gutridge.

A memorial service will be held at Christ Episcopal Church, Toms River, on Wednesday, March 16, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Christ Episcopal Church, 415 Washington Street, Toms River, NJ 08753 in memory of Sarah Everitt.

The family of Sarah wishes to extend profound gratefulness and thanks to all the staff and nurses at Brandywine Assisted Living of Toms River and Grace Hospice. Their love and care sustained us, and our mother died with dignity and peace surrounded by those who love