Sara Henry McCoy

Sara Henry McCoy Charleston - Sara Henry McCoy, 86, of Charleston, South Carolina, passed away on Thursday, September 1, 2022. Sara was born in Elkhart, Indiana, daughter of the late Frank and Mary (Snyder) Henry. She was preceded in death by her husband, the Rev. Marion "Mac" McCoy. Sara was a life-long learner with a passion for science education. She attended Hanover College in Hanover, Indiana, graduating with a B.S. in Chemistry. Sara and Mac were married shortly after graduation, and she worked as a chemist while Mac attended seminary. Sara soon found her love for teaching as Mac began his career as a U.S. Navy Chaplain, teaching chemistry and physics at multiple public and private schools and academic institutions on both coasts as they moved from one duty station to another. Throughout her teaching career, Sara continued her studies earning multiple graduate degrees including an MTS-chemistry from the College of William and Mary and an EdD from Columbia University in the City of New York. She particularly enjoyed her time teaching with the Naval Academy Preparatory School in Newport, R.I. Sara moved to Long Island, NY with Mac when he retired from the Navy and she continued her teaching career at the Stony Brook School in Stony Brook, NY and for many years with Collegiate School in NYC until retiring and then moving to Charleston, SC. Her initial retirement in Charleston was short-lived, as she accepted an adjunct teaching position at the College of Charleston for a few years. Sara enjoyed adventure through travel. In her earlier years, family vacations included backpacking trips with the Sierra Club and camping at National Parks. Later came trips abroad with Mac, history of science tours in Europe with science teacher colleagues, and travel with her students to China and other parts of the world. Throughout her life, Sara cherished being part of a church community. She was a congregant of the Valley Stream Presbyterian Church while living in New York and the Westminster Presbyterian Church when she returned to Charleston, SC. She was an avid knitter, so particularly enjoyed the fellowship of knitting groups as well as contributing to missions supporting local communities. Sara is survived by her daughters, Elizabeth McCoy of Framingham, MA and Rebecca McCoy and her husband, Mark Merriner of Darien, Georgia and her son, Edward McCoy of Charleston, SC. Sara's memorial service will be held on October 17, 2022 at 3:30 pm in the prayer garden at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1157 Sam Rittenburg Blvd, Charleston, SC. 29407. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to "Hands of Christ," c/o Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1157 Sam Rittenburg Blvd, Charleston, SC 29407. Visit our guestbook at legacy.com/obituaries/charleston