Mrs. Sarah Francis Sinclair Crowder Oates, 87 of Charlotte, passed away on Sunday, December 27, 2020 at her residence. She was born May 25, 1933 to the late Ben Phillips and the late Pauline Horne. When Pauline married the late John B. Sinclair, Sarah was adopted and loved as his very own. Sarah was educated in the public schools of Wadesboro, NC and Anson County, NC.
On June 4, 1950, Sarah married the late James Arthur Crowder and to this union four children were born.
In 1960, James and Sarah moved their family to Charlotte, NC where they united with Pleasant Hill Baptist Church. In her Christian walk she served as Sunday School Teacher, Young Adult Department Assistant Superintendent, Adult Choir Member, Member of the Missionary Department and Senior Ministry.
On May 11, 1996, Sarah married A.V. Oates. They were a very loving couple. When you saw one, you saw the other. A.V. could be seen around Charlotte "driving Miss daisy (Sarah)". Whatever she wanted to do, A.V. was right there smiling.
Sarah was an accomplished seamstress. She loved to sew. During her healthy days, she sewed wedding gowns, prom and pageant gowns, and clothes for many. She loved doing alterations for men and women.
With grateful hearts for her life, though saddened by the loss, her memory is cherished by her loving husband, A.V. Oates, one son, Donnell Crowder; three daughters, Janice C. Ervin, Valerie C. Hill (Rickie), and LaMuriel Michelle (Gary), all of Charlotte; five grandchildren, Vahisha N. Hasan, Nashville, TN, Quantiyanna Gaskins, Atlanta, GA, Sherida H. Bonton (Brandon) San Diego, CA, Brittany D. Hill, Houston, TX and James E. Crowder, Atlanta, GA; five great grandchildren, Madison, William, Lillian and Logan Bonton and Janyla Crowder; special granddaughter Ereka C. Brim and special grandson J.D. Dozier; brother John V. Sinclair, Queens, NY; special niece and sister Cynthia McLendon, Monroe, NC. She also leaves eight step-children Lewis, Glen (Debi), Ed (Cynthia), Perry (Tammy), Alfred (Nicole), Johnnie (Robinette), Ann (Larry) and Mayella; Godchildren, Gerald Crawford (Betty), Lativia Myers, Bobby and Deborah Dozier, Sandra and Jacob Reid, Michelle Burns and Breashia Allick; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
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