Sarah Earnhardt Baker

Sarah Bates Earnhardt Baker, 73, devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend to many, died on Saturday, January 18, 2025, after a brief illness.  Her family was by her side as she peacefully entered the gates of Heaven to be at rest with her family who had gone before her.

Sarah was born on October 30, 1951, in Albemarle, North Carolina, to the late John Jerry and Betsy Lamson Earnhardt, Sr.  She and her brother John Jerry, Jr., lived a cherished childhood, with many hours spent on "the river" fishing, skiing, and simply enjoying life.  Sarah graduated from Albemarle High School where she was a majorette and later graduated from Catawba College with a degree in physical education.  While searching for a career opportunity, Sarah supported herself by hanging wallpaper with her friend, Nancy Sullivan.

Sarah accepted a teaching job in Walterboro, South Carolina, and became fast friends with Mary Baker.  Mary introduced Sarah to "Brother Bill", and their first date was on a tennis court.  Sarah quickly caught on to the fact that Bill was playing to "let" her win, so she challenged him to bring his best game. Within six months they were married.  Sarah settled into life in Estill with her new husband, built their forever home, and lived a full life.  Her career in physical education allowed her to work in both public and private schools in Colleton and Hampton counties.  When Sarah and Bill were in their early thirties, they gave birth to identical twins, Gwynn and Megan.  Sarah was a devoted mother and took pride in teaching them to be kind, generous, loving, and to think of others' needs.  She was involved in all aspects of their lives and took pride in teaching them the same special activities she loved as a child, especially living life on "the river."  She encouraged her daughters to embrace their individuality while still enjoying the bond of twins.  She took great pleasure in doing special things for each of them, including mother-daughter trips, graduations, weddings, and many other things.  Sarah loved being a grandmother and spoiled her five grandchildren.  She taught them how to live good lives and taught them how to swim and play.

Sarah had a zest for living and was a devoted friend to many.  She and her friends frequently went on trips around the South; they loved "junkin", playing golf, being on the river, knitting, and being present for each other in both good times and trying times.  She was devoted to her church, Estill Presbyterian, and joked that she was determined to not be a Baptist.  She coordinated children's services, youth groups, music programs, and so much more.  She frequently provided flowers for the altar and helped arrange funerals, weddings, and other events hosted by her church.  Sarah and Bill took special pride in both their daughters getting married in their church.

At the end of her life, she became very sick very quickly.  She had faith in God and was not afraid of what was to come.  She knew that God would take her home to be with her mother and father at just the right time.  In the final days of her life, she spoke with family and friends and said her goodbyes.  She reassured her daughters that everything would work out as it should.

Sarah is survived by her cherished husband, William (Bill) Wilkins Baker, III of Estill; her beloved twin daughters Gwynn Davidson Baker Yocco (Stan) of Bluffton and Megan Lamson Baker Congleton (Sean) of Ridgeland; and five treasured grandchildren:   Morgan Elizabeth Congleton, Emma Baynes Congleton, William Andrew Yocco, William (Worth) Elsworth Congleton, and Charles Wyatt Yocco, her brother John Jerry Earnhardt, Jr. (Angie) of Albemarle, sisters-in-law Jennie Margaret Baker Smith (Dick) of Bluffton and Mary Aleen Baker (Peggy) of Hilton Head Island, and a multitude of nieces and nephews.

A joint celebration of Bill and Sarah Baker's lives will be held on Saturday, February 15 at Estill Presbyterian Church at 11:00 AM.  Following the service, the family will receive guests at their house for an oyster roast. Please send any charitable donation to Estill Presbyterian Church.  Per Sarah's request, please wear bright colors in celebration.