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Sara Hoover Obituary

Sara Jane Hoover, a member of the Belmont Sports Hall of Fame who taught hundreds of Belmont and Charlotte school children to swim then watched over them from a lifeguard's chair, died June 9, 2013 after a short battle with brain cancer.

Sara never met a person or a creature she didn't care deeply about. Her strength, fortitude, compassion and caring, especially in the face of a quickly advancing illness, inspired everyone involved in her care, including a nurse who vowed to overcome her fear and learn to swim in Sara's honor.

Sara attended Belmont schools and graduated in 1973 from South Point High School, where she was a starter on a team that won the NC 3A championship two years in a row, a feat still unmatched. She was a star athlete who played third base on the Tri-Angels and Roadrunner softball teams, two competitive clubs that thrived in the days when few team sports were available to women. She taught swimming and lifeguarded at Suttle's Swim Club.

Sara, an avid reader and lifelong learner, worked for 28 years for Graphic Packaging in Charlotte.

Sara is survived by her twin sister, best friend and soul mate, Elaine Hoover of Greensboro. She is also survived by her older brothers Benny Hoover of Mt. Holly and Michael Hoover of Belmont, and nieces Kim Burnette, Ashley Hoover, and Carla Hoover.

Also surviving Sara are countless friends touched by her kindness.

Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, June 13, at Park Street United Methodist Church, Belmont.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Friday, June 14, in the church sanctuary.

Burial will be at Greenwood Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, Sara would want donations to be made to the Humane Society of Charlotte www.humanesocietyofcharlotte.org or to Victory Junction Gang Camp [email protected].

The Hoover family is in the care of Gaskin Services, Matthews, where online condolences may be offered at www.gaskinservices.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Gaston Gazette on Jun. 12, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Sara Hoover

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July 21, 2013

July 21, 2013

July 21, 2013

July 21, 2013

Melissa, Amanda, Sara and Shelley...

Anna Rion

July 21, 2013

My heartfelt and deepest sympathy goes out to the Hoover family, Shelley Sharpe, Sara's partner for 17 years and all her friends who miss her so much. A day does not pass that I don't think of you. Especially when I see a humingbird... xoxox

Derek Widenhouse

June 17, 2013

Sarah was the best in all of us. I know she is at peace and in heaven.

Bob and Gail Thayer

June 15, 2013

Thinking of Sara's family and wishing them peace. We will always miss our wonderful neighbor and friend. She was such a kind and gentle person.

Nancy Holloway

June 14, 2013

I'm so sorry to hear of Sara's passing. Your loss is Heaven's gain. Sara is up there with all the softball players that have passed before her. I will be keeping the family in my prayers.

Debra Williams Hines

June 13, 2013

So Sorry for your loss. Praying for your family.

Susie Cloninger

June 13, 2013

Mike, we're so sorry for your loss and for your pain. May God continue to surround you with his love. Rick & Susie

donna umbel

June 13, 2013

Sara was such a wonderful, caring person. Im still in shock. She will be missed by so many. My deepest sympathy for the family.

JW Mack

June 13, 2013

I'm sorry to hear of Sara's passing. Your family will be in my prayers. Rely on our Heavenly Father to strengthen you during this difficult time. (1 John 3:20)

Marcia Leatherman Rosetti

June 13, 2013

We used to play through the fence with Elaine, Duane, Cindy and the rest of the gang and If we were good got to go.to the park. School, Girl Scouts, Bible School, band, etc. Whe was so sweet ALL the time. Never got upset or mád. Really was a good person. Love ya Sara. See ya later.

Rita Forbes

June 13, 2013

So sorry Elaine, Mike and Benny for the loss of your sweet sister Sara. My husband Jim graduated with her. I remember her beautiful long hair, sweet smile and her quiet strength. I know she will be missed by many...especially the SPHS Class of 1973. You all will be at the top of our prayer list

Tracie Cone

June 13, 2013

There was never a more gentle soul who walked this earth. Sara, my dear, you were my teammate and friend. The people and creatures whose lives you touched now have an angel. I will miss you more than you can ever know and will keep supporting in your honor organizations searching for a cure. Love to all of the Hoovers, especially Lanie.

Rene' (Barnes) Dzubay

June 12, 2013

So sorry to hear about Sara.Keeping the family in prayers.She was always the sweetest person.

Jackie Parker

June 12, 2013

My sincere prayers go out to Elaine, Mike and the family for comfort in the passing of this most remarkable and beloved woman.

Johnnelle and Tommy Raines

June 12, 2013

We are so sorry to hear of her passing, we know she will be missed by many. Thoughts and prayers to all who loved her.

phyllis stitt-colbert

June 12, 2013

hi sara was friend and co-worker who will be missed. my thoughts and prayers are with the family & friends. i will not forget those
good old days.

Melanie Auten

June 12, 2013

My prayers are with you Elaine and Mike and family.Sara was a beautilul person and will be missed by many.I remember when we all went to the park every summer and played all kinds of games and sports ,so many good memories.

Larretta Rivera-Williams

June 12, 2013

Dear Benny, Michael, and Elaine,
It is with great shock and sadness that I (only minutes ago) received the news about Sara. I remember Sara's gentleness and her smile.
Please be assured of prayers for your peace and comfort.
No doubt, Sara is experiencing the totality of God's love!
Sincerely, Larri

June 12, 2013

Mike and family, we are so sorry to hear of Sara's passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers. May God's grace be with each of you during this time of sorrow. Will and Nancy Wiggins

June 12, 2013

Sara was one of the gentlest, kind people I have ever met. She will be greatly missed by many...

Samantha

June 12, 2013

Sara became near and heart to my heart quickly during the short time I cared for her. Elaine I promise to never put on my shoes again without thinking of her. Take care of yourself Sissy.

June 12, 2013

Praying for Elaine and the family. Sara was such a sweet person. Another great loss for the SPHS Class of 1973.

Loretta Robinette

June 12, 2013

Mike and family, thank God for mercy and grace and His love, which will carry you through this trying time. Danny and I will be lifting all of the hurting hearts up in prayer. We care and hurt for you.
Danny and Loretta

Tracey Hoyle

June 12, 2013

I lite this candle in your honor. May it burn as bright as your are. You are missed ny many.

June 12, 2013

Still don't believe she is gone. You will be missed by many. You are such a good friend. My heart and prayers are with the family.

Sonya Lawson

June 12, 2013

I am so sad to hear of Ms. Hoover's passing. She taught me how to swim when I was very young.

Tim & Carol Panter-Clemmer

June 11, 2013

Our thoughts & prayers are with you Elaine & family during your
great loss.
Sure was great to see both of you at the class reunion.

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