Sarah Juanita Herrera

Sarah Juanita Herrera was the first of four children, born in Miami, Florida on July 10, 1923, to Arthur and Evelyn Hepburn. The family moved from Miami, to New York City, later settling in Queens, NY.

After high school graduation, Sarah was hired as one of the first Black telegraph operators at Western Union. She worked there for forty five years, moving up the ranks from telegraph operator to dispatcher.

While in Harlem, Sarah met her future husband, Patricio (Patrick) Herrera, at a dance organized by one of her clubs. They married and had two children, Michael and Deborah. Sarah and Patrick remained married for sixty five years until he entered eternal rest on April 6, 2020.

Sarah was always community-minded and joined many organizations. She was a member of the St. Albans Civic Association for over twenty five years and a choir member of St. Catherine’s of Sienna Church in St. Albans for over thirty years. While in Florida she was a member of the Black Catholic Guild, the African American Caribbean Society, the ACHO and a choir member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church for over twenty years.

The one thing that friends and family will always remember about Sarah, was that she loved to cook and entertain. She created many fond memories with her wonderful Christmas and Thanksgiving dinners, homemade cakes, her famous rice and peas and her beef short ribs. Her cooking and baking skills were just a small example of her many talents.

God called Sarah’s name and she answered. Sarah entered into eternal rest on July 3, 2021.

Sarah will be greatly missed by her children, Michael Herrera and Deborah Boalds and her grandson, Phillip Boalds. She leaves behind a host of nieces and nephews, relatives and dear friends.

Lovingly Submitted, Her Family.