Sara Harrell Carter

Sara Leigh Harrell Carter, born June 7, 1939 in Suffolk, VA, to the late Joseph and Addie Lee Harrell, passed away December 31, 2025. She was preceded in death by her husband Dean M. Carter, her daughter Kelly C. Comeau, and her only brother, Joseph Linwood Harrell, Jr.
She graduated from Whaleyville High School in 1956, attended Norfolk Business College, and worked at the Suffolk Credit Bureau. After marriage to Dean, she worked in churches for twenty-two years until retirement in 2002. She was a lifelong member of Suffolk Christian Church, where she served in many capacities. Because she played the piano for children in the Beginners Department of the church, she was known as "Miss Music". Sara volunteered with the American Cancer Society for 26 years, serving on many committees including chairing the Field Services for the entire state of Virginia. In later years, she volunteered for Suncoast Hospice, Honeymoon Island State Park and Mease Countryside Hospital, all in Florida.
She is survived by her daughter, Carol C. Syvrud, and husband, Erik, and granddaughters Kelsey Syvrud and Haley Syvrud.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made in her honor to the Suffolk Christian Church, Music Committee, the Alzheimer's Association, or the HPH Hospice via Chapters Health Foundation. R.W. Baker & Co. Funeral Home & Crematory, Downtown Suffolk Chapel is serving the family. Condolences may be registered at RWBakerFH.com.
The graveside service has been postponed until a later date.