Sara Sanders Taylor

Sara Sanders Taylor, age 85, of Panama City, Florida, passed away peacefully on January 31, 2026. She was born to Gilbert and Lillian (Johnson) Sanders on February 10, 1940 in Goshen, Alabama.

A beloved wife, mother, grandmother, teacher, and woman of faith, Sara lived a life defined by service, devotion, and love for others. Being the eleventh child in her family, growing up on a farm with nineteen siblings helped shape her love for the outdoors, care for others, and resilience.

Sara graduated from Troy State University with a bachelor's degree in Physical Education. She dedicated many years to teaching as a physical education instructor starting in Ft. Walton Beach, Florida and continuing in Bay County, Florida at Northside Elementary, Parker Elementary, and finally retiring from Hutchison Beach Elementary. Known for her enthusiasm, patience, and deep compassion for her students, she viewed teaching not simply as a career, but as a calling.

Her passion for nurturing young lives extended well beyond the PE field as a third-grade Sunday school teacher. For over thirty years, she shared the love of Christ wherever she was planted whether it was at Cinco Baptist in Ft. Walton Beach, or in Panama City at St. Andrews Baptist, First Baptist, or Emerald Coast Fellowship where her beloved son is the Senior Pastor.

Above all else, Sara cherished her family. She was a devoted wife to her husband of 58 years, Larry Taylor; a loving mother to Dana (Jeff) Goldman and Steve (Christi) Taylor; and a proud grandmother to Cassidy (Jonathan) Kyle, Ali Taylor, Leighanna Goldman, and Austin Taylor.

Sara is survived by her brothers Oscar (Patsy) Sanders, Ned (Nancy) Sanders, and Ted Sanders; her sisters Aline Garrett, Bessie Grissette, Betty Ann (Ceph) Phillips, and Elaine Wells; her sisters-in-law Louise Sanders and Carrie Sanders; her husband's brother Luther (Kathy) Taylor; her husband's sister Linda (David) Atkinson; and numerous loving cousins, nieces, and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Gilbert and Lillian Sanders; her brothers J.R. (Mary Alyce) Sanders, Perry (Molly) Sanders, Tramel Sanders, James Sanders, Will Sanders, Walter Sanders, Herman (Elenda) Sanders, and Isaac Sanders; and her sisters Mary (William) Folmar, Frances (Cephas) Tidwell, Jinene (Hugh) Drinkard, and Irene Sanders.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Kimberly Leggett, whose loving and compassionate care meant so much to Sara and her family. They also wish to thank The Landings of Panama City Beach and Peoples Hospice for their professional and caring staff.

A service to celebrate Sara's life will be held on Saturday, February 7th at 11 AM at Emerald Coast Fellowship, 4102 Highway 390, Lynn Haven, Florida 32444, with Dr. Steve Taylor officiating. The family will receive visitors one hour prior to the service. Graveside service will follow at Evergreen Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to Neverthirst Wells. Checks may be made payable to Emerald Coast Fellowship with "Sara Taylor – Neverthirst" written in the memo line. Online donations may be made through the giving page at EmeraldCoastFellowship.com by selecting Neverthirst Wells and including "Sara Taylor" in the memo line.