Sarah Joyce Baldree

1931 - 2026

Sarah Joyce (Sellers) Baldree Ayden - Mrs. Sarah Joyce Sellers Baldree, 94, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. The funeral service will be held on Sunday, March 29, at 2:30 PM at Ayden Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). The family will receive friends prior to the service beginning at 1:00 PM. Sarah was born in Pitt County and graduated from Greenville High School in 1949. She attended East Carolina Teacher's College for about 18 months and was a majorette in the marching band. She was also crowned "Miss Atlantic Beach" in 1949. While at East Carolina Teacher's College, she met the love of her life, Bear Baldree, and they married in 1951. In May 2026 they would have celebrated 75 years of marriage! Shortly after they became engaged, "Bear" joined the U. S. Air Force and was stationed in Chanute Air Force Base in Rantoul, Illinois. Of course, she went with him. They returned to Ayden in 1955. She worked in the dental offices of H. W. Gooding, and O. H. Brown. Afterward, she returned to East Carolina College and graduated in 1971 with a Bachelor's Degree in Education. She began teaching school at Ayden Elementary for 20 years. After retiring, she enrolled at Pitt Community College in the Nursing program, however, this pursuit was cut short because of health issues. She was a volunteer with Ayden Rescue from 1984 to 1994, and during this time, she delivered three babies! Sarah was a member and charter President of the Ayden Jayceetes, where she received the highest honor awards. he was also a member of the Eastern Star Chapter 52; served on the Board of Pitt Memorial Hospital from 1996 to 2000; served on the Health Access Committee; and was a member of the Board of Directors for Ayden Theatre Workshop. She enjoyed reading and needlework; was a member of several ladies & couples Bridge clubs; and was also a member of the Greenville Choral Society and the Ayden Garden Club. She had a beautiful rose garden, and she loved to cook and, especially, bake. She was known for her Christmas coffee cake. Sarah was a proud member of the ECU Pirate Club, and was an avid Pirate baseball fan. She very much enjoyed watching her grandkids Little League games. Sarah was a member of Ayden Christian Church for 75 years; serving in the capacities of choir member, Sunday school teacher, Elder, and Deaconess. She was also a member of the Keenagers, Christian Women's Fellowship, and served as Special Funds Treasurer. Sarah is preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Annie Sellers; three brothers, Haywood, Ralph, and Reid; her in-laws, Marvin and Louise Baldree; and special cousin, Frances Ralston. She is survived by her: Husband, Bear Baldree; Daughter, Rebecca "Becky" Baldree, and special friend, Allen Jenkins; Daughter, Lou Anne Baldree Sutton and husband, Louis D. Sutton; Son, Colin Sellers Baldree; Grandchildren, Marc Whichard and wife, Courtney; Matt Whichard and wife, Erin; and Tyler Whichard and wife, Stephanie; and Connor Sutton and Marcus Sutton; Great-Grandchildren, Jackson Whichard, Davis Whichard, Hudson Weir, and Madison Whichard; Several nieces and nephews: Connie Sellers Davis, Heather Sellers Janes, Earl Sellers and Kelly Sellers of Texas, and Julia Baldree Rathe and Ginny Baldree Parks of South Carolina; A brother-in-law, Ikey Baldree and wife, Linda; Two sisters-in-law, Brenda Sellers and Carol Sellers. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Ayden Christian Church Choir, or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Arrangements by Wilkerson Funeral Home & Crematory. Online condolences at www.wilkersonfuneralhome.com