Sarah J. Parker, 87, of Portsmouth, OH passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, May 17,2025 while vacationing at her ‘happy place’ in sunny Naples, FL. She was born to the late Wilson ‘Brownie’ and Elizabeth (Nunley) Smith on May 26, 1937 in KY. Sarah grew up on the Smith Family Farm on Millers Run in Lucasville, OH. She graduated from Valley High School and was a proud member of the class of 1955. Each and every year, Sarah would plan and attend her Valley class reunion just to catch up with those lifelong friends who held a special place in her heart.
Sarah was preceded in death by her husband of over 50 years, Robert ‘Bob’ Parker who passed away in 2016. Her and Bob raised two beautiful children here in Portsmouth, OH who were known far and wide for their kind spirits and friendly personalities. Sarah was also proceeded in death by both her son, Robert ‘Scotty’ Parker in 2020 and her daughter, Teresa (Parker) Brickey in 2021. Though in her life Sarah endured the heart break of burying both of her children, you’d always find her with a smile on her face and a positive outlook on life. Also preceding her in death were her sisters: Lois Marie Tomlison and an infant sister Darlene Smith.
She is survived by her brother, Larry (Barbara) Smith of Minford, OH. Throughout the years, Sarah worked diligently to serve and care for others. She retired from The Portsmouth Metropolitan Housing Authority (PMHA) in 1999, after serving over 26 years as the Director of Social Services. During her career, Sarah was passionate and dedicated to drug elimination programs at each of her housing sites and neighborhoods.
She advocated day in and day out for better education and equal rights for all the residents she served. Sarah would frequently be found at Farley Square or Wayne Hills serving food, handing out toys and glow sticks to the children, and planning D.A.R.E events, all while actively engaging and listening to the needs of her community. Each summer, she would use her own money to pay for a professor to come to Wayne Hills and provide tutoring to any and all students who wanted to attend. Sarah strived to level the educational playing fields for those less fortunate and avidly encouraged numerous children to chase their dreams.
After retiring, Sarah never slowed down. She spent her years living life to its fullest, traveling, and enjoying her family and friends. Having lived in both Las Vegas, NV and briefly in Dallas, GA during her retirement years, Sarah spent the majority of her life right here in Southern Ohio.
Sarah was well known both locally and throughout the many states she traveled. She made friends every where she went. Much like the sands of the sea, it would be impossible to name all of those she loved. From nephews to cousins, along with all her friends, family, church members, and her beloved granddogs (Benny and Beasley), she cherished them each with all of her heart.
Sarah had many passions and favorite things in life. She was a member of Christ Community Church where you’d find her sitting in the pew alongside her best friends. She loved socializing, telling stories of yesteryear, and never passed up the opportunity to share a great meal with a loved one. Those who knew Sarah well knew above all, her number one passion was her grandchildren and her great-grandchildren. She never missed an opportunity to brag on them or share just how much she loved them. Her ‘grands’, as she called them, was what kept her going.
She is survived by her granddaughters: Kristi (Larry) Carter of Stout, OH and Sheila (Robbie) Jenkins of South Webster, OH. Great-Grandchildren: Luke Jenkins, Landen Jenkins, and Liam Jenkins all of South Webster, OH. As well as, Sydney Carter, Kara Carter, Sara Carter, and Lola Carter all of Stout, OH.
As we are left here learning how to navigate our life without her by our side, know that her spirit and memories will live on until we meet her again in heaven. Take comfort in knowing we did not lose our Sarah, we gained a guardian angel.
In honoring Sarah’s wishes, A Celebration of Life Service will be held on her birthday, Monday, May 26, 2025, at 1:00 PM, at Christ Community Church, 2433 Twenty-fifth Street, Portsmouth, OH, and at a later date in Naples, FL.
Please visit www.fcdaehlermortuary.com to leave a special memory of Sarah or condoences for her family.
