Sarah Ann Lynch Carr, devoted wife, mother and community leader, of Buckhannon, WV, died peacefully surrounded by her loving family on March 14, 2025, at United Hospital Center, Bridgeport, WV.
She was born in Glen Falls on August 31, 1932, the child of the late Earl C. and Mona Golden Lynch. She was the youngest of seven siblings (four beloved brothers and two sisters) who predeceased her. The Lynch family was hardworking, kind and known for their hospitality.
She was raised in Clarksburg and was a proud graduate of Washington Irving High School; going on to earn her Bachelor’s Degree in Home Economics from West Virginia University in 1954, where she was active in the WVU 4-H club and the Wesley Foundation. She later received her Master’s Degree in Child Development from WVU in 1979, reflecting her lifelong commitment to learning and growth.
Sarah’s career was a testament to her dedication to service and education. She began as a 4-H Camp Assistant in summers during college. Following college, she became the 4-H Club Agent in Lewis County, and on August 19, 1957, in Clarksburg, WV, she married Rev. Dr. Marvin H. Carr, III. She worked as a Dietician at the Gilbert Adams House at Duke University while her husband was at Duke Divinity School.
Following the births of her four children, Sarah resumed her career as Head Start Home-Oriented Social Worker in Barbour County where she was active with her husband in ministry in Philippi. She then taught Kindergarten in the Upshur County Schools where she emphasized creative play and experiential learning. Following her teaching career, she was a Church and Community Worker with the Upshur Cooperative Parish of the United Methodist Church where she helped to establish Crosslines. She was commissioned as a Deaconess in the United Methodist Church. She served as the Director and Cofounder of the Upshur Parish House with her husband to serve the community in places of need.
Throughout her life, Sarah was a pillar of the church community and was an active member of the First United Methodist Church of Buckhannon since 1973. She served on many church agencies and boards such as the Status and Role of Women, the Committee on Episcopacy, Church and Community Advisory Board, Disaster Response, Economic Transformation, and a Lay Member Delegate of Annual Conference into her 90’s. She was an active worker in mission and church disaster response on the front lines in flooding events in WV, with Hurricane Andrew in Florida and the Northridge earthquake recovery in California. Her local community involvement included the Buckhannon Housing Authority Board, the Senior Center Board, 4-H Club Leader, 4-H All Stars, the Red Cross Disaster Response Team, the Head Start Board, and Mountain Community Action Board.
The couple loved to travel and took young people on mission/study trips to Germany, where the Carr’s helped manage the German Youth Exchange. They enjoyed travel to many sites in the USA, but also to England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, Canada, Austria and Nova Scotia. She was a devoted attendee of the Chautauqua Institution, where she was the host at the Fenton Memorial Deacon House for ten summers. Their shared love for travel and cultural exchange fostered lifelong friendships and broadened horizons for others.
She was a loving parent to her four children and grandchildren, a source of unconditional love, support,
and a guiding light of caring and service.
In addition to her loving husband of 67 years, she is survived by her four children – Sarah Carr (Larry Parsons), Bridgeport, WV; Rev. Margaret “Margie” Carr (James B. Kepner), Wheeling, WV; Marvin H. Carr IV (Tammy St. Clair), Hurricane, WV; and Rebecca Carr (Walter Rissmeyer), Arlington, VA; Grandchildren: Erin DiStefano (Sam DiStefano), David Carr, Ryan Carr, Elizabeth Nickell (Daniel Lex, fiancé), Jacob Nickell, Lucy Rissmeyer, Audra Rissmeyer, Kristina Parsons Hopkins (Kevin Campbell), Kari Gaudet (Stuart Gaudet), Kirk Parsons (Paula Parsons), Kyle Parsons (Lisa Parsons), Ezra St. Clair, and Marissa Mynes; great-grandchildren, Dominic, Matilda, Josephine DiStefano, and The Garrison family; and many nieces, nephews and extended family.
Her life was a beautiful testament to the power of faith, love, and service. Her gentle spirit and unwavering commitment to others will continue to inspire all who knew her.
The family would like to thank the many kind caregivers who assisted her at the end of life from Village Care, St. Joseph’s Hospital, Harmony at White Oaks, United Hospital Center, and WVU Medicine.
Family and friends will be received on Saturday, March 22, 2025, from 11 a.m. until the time of service at 2 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church, 52 South Florida Street, Buckhannon, WV, with the Rev. Steve Meadows officiating.
Interment will follow the funeral at the Weston Masonic Cemetery, Weston, WV.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Upshur Parish House, 68 College Street, Buckhannon, WV 26201 or First United Methodist Church, 52 South Florida Street, Buckhannon, WV 26201.
Funeral Arrangements by Kepner Funeral Homes, 900 National Road, Wheeling, WV (304-232-2732) and personal condolences may be made to the family at www.kepnerfuneral.com.
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