Sara Christine (Dunn) Yarbrough

Sara was born in Charlotte on August 5, 1927 to the late Walter S. and Clara M. Dunn. She was the last surviving member of the 1944 graduating class of Paw Creek High School. Sara worked for Hudson Hosiery in Charlotte for 17 years and was a lifelong member of Cook’s Church.

Sara met the love of her life, Robert C. Yarbrough, in 1949. They were married on May 8, 1954 and remained together for nearly 64 years until his death in 2018. Together they raised a loving family, enjoyed participating in their many church activities, socializing with friends, and traveling in retirement.

There are so many words to describe Sara - beautiful, loving, kind, strong, caring, gentle, and generous, to name but a very few. She was deeply devoted to her family, her faith, and her friends. She led a life of service to her church and her community. She played piano for her church for many years, sang in the church choir for more than 60 years, taught Sunday School, and served for decades as a member of the Women of the Church. She was bestowed an Honorary Lifetime Membership to her church in 2006.

Sara was an expert homemaker. In addition to keeping a perfect house, she was an avid gardener and seamstress. One of Sara’s many generous attributes was that of caregiver to so many, beginning with her grandparents when she was a teenager, her parents in later years, and countless relatives and friends over the course of many decades. Where there was a need, she was there to meet it - no matter the hour, day or night. And there were very few ailments that could not be cured with one of her famous chicken pies or chocolate pound cakes.

Sara also volunteered at what is now Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center. For 19 years she delivered flowers to, and brightened the days of, thousands of patients and their loved ones.

Without a doubt Sara’s most cherished role was that of mother and grandmother. Her undying devotion to this calling was evident in everything she did. She volunteered at her children’s schools. She was a Girl Scout and Cub Scout leader. She never missed any of her children’s and grandchildren’s performances and sporting events. And, she was tireless in her efforts to provide a wonderful, safe, and loving home for her family.

In addition to her husband and her parents, Sara was preceded in death by her sister, Virginia L. Dunn, and two brothers, W. Donald Dunn and R. Carlton Dunn.

Sara is survived by her three children, Christie Y. Bumgardner (Mark) of Concord, Michael R. Yarbrough of Durham, and Connie Y. Stroup (Scott) of Oak Island; three grandchildren, Scottie L. Stroup (fiancé Mike Bauchkey) of Raleigh, Sara Weslyn B. Jones (Spencer) of Cornelius, and Dalton T. Stroup of Harrisonburg, VA; one great-granddaughter, Lana E. Jones, of Cornelius; sister-in-law Glenda L. Dunn of Huntersville; and countless nieces, nephews, great- and great-great nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends who loved her dearly.

The family expresses their deepest gratitude to Sara’s fellow church members, extended family, and friends for their many acts of kindness and support. A special debt of gratitude to her caregiver, Patricia Luckett, for so lovingly ensuring Sara’s comfort and safety during her final two years, and to VIA Health Partners and Levine and Dickson Hospice House at Aldersgate of Charlotte for their excellent care during her final months.

Interment will be private. A memorial service for all who knew and loved Sara and her family will be held on Saturday, October 10, 2026 at 11 a.m., at Cook’s Church, 3413 Mt. Holly-Huntersville Road, Charlotte, NC. The family will hold a brief visitation in the church Fellowship Hall immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Sara D. Yarbrough’s memory may be made to Cook’s Church by check at the above address, or by card via calling the church at 704-399-7735; or to VIA Health Partners (Hospice and Palliative Care) at www.viahp.org/giving.

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McEwen Funerals & Cremations at Forest Lawn West is handling arrangements. Condolences may be submitted to www.forestlawnwest.com.