Sara Ellen Anderson Whitley, 76, peacefully passed away on September 19, 2024, at Hospice Wendover in Shelby, NC. Born on March 21, 1948, in Rutherfordton County, NC, she was the cherished daughter of the late Kirby Lee Anderson and Lottie Bell Murray Anderson. Sara was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Stephen Roy Whitley; her daughter, Dena Diane Terry Yarbro; and siblings Jimmy Anderson, Betty Coleen Lowrance, Kathy Jean Short, and Bobby Joe Anderson.

A talented artist and devoted mother, Sara was known for her hard work, vibrant spirit, and loving nature. She is survived by her three children: Jeffrey Ray Terry (Nancy), Angela "Nikki" Greene (Joe), and Erin Baker (Keith). She also leaves behind eight grandchildren: Andrea Scism (Darien), Michael Yarbro, Lauren Holmes (Scotty), Patrick Terry, Tyler McCurry (Savannah), Ryan McCurry (Maddison), Kaitlyn Baker, and Kamden Baker, as well as two great-grandchildren, William and Thomas McCurry.

Sara is further survived by her nine siblings: Randy Anderson (Linda), Carolyn Hunt (Gene), Gail Anderson, Noah Anderson (Debbie), Maggie Townsend (Tim), Shirley Lovelace, David Anderson (Tammy), Jerry Anderson, and Alvin Anderson, along with her son-in-law Fred Yarbro.

Friends and family are invited to gather on Monday, September 23, 2024, at Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM. A graveside service will follow at 3:00 PM at Sulphur Springs Methodist Church, where Pastor Joe Ervin will offer words of comfort.

Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to serve the family. Online condolences may be made at www.cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com.