Sara Wilson Harold Saunders

1927 - 2025

Sara Wilson Harold Saunders

January 16, 1927 - February 3, 2025

Sara Wilson Harold Saunders, 98, of Lynchburg died February 3, 2025, at her home. She was born on January 16, 1927, in Chapel Hill, NC, to Edward Byron Harold and Anne Washington Brooke. She was predeceased by her husband Fleming Saunders, Jr; her parents; her sisters Mary Brooke Harold Lawrence, Emily Naylor Harold Dickson, and Anne Washington Harold Larsen; her son Taliaferro Brooke Saunders and daughter Anne Washington Saunders; and grandson Luke Tornwall Saunders.

The youngest of four daughters, Sara Wil spent most of her childhood in Charles Town, WV. Her father died when she was young. She graduated from Charles Town High School at age 17 in 1944 and joined her sister Emily in Richmond, VA. She worked for the VA Dept of Highways drafting road sections. In fall 1945, she enrolled at the College of William and Mary. To help pay her way, she waited tables and sold cigarettes and candy to hallmates. She graduated Phi Beta Kappa in mathematics in 1949. Her next stage, which she called the happiest time in her life, was living in Norfolk with her mother's cousin, the artist Lena McNamara. Sara worked as a draftsman for an architect and then for the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey and taught horseback riding in the summers at Camp Carysbrook in Riner, VA.

In 1954, she married Fleming Saunders, Jr. of Evington, VA, and this 'town girl' took up rural life. Their four children were born in quick succession. The family moved to the Rivermont neighborhood of Lynchburg in 1965. She lived in the same house the rest of her life.

She was a wise, fair-minded, and always supportive mother. She lived simply, but to exacting standards. A child of The Great Depression, she wasted nothing and kept the house running on a shoe string. Education was important to her. She never stopped learning. Books and newspapers abounded and mealtimes were always full of lively conversation.

After the children were grown, she became an accomplished watercolor artist. Her favorite subject was capturing the architecture and essence of old Lynchburg. She loved to travel, especially to Europe, and to take the back roads. She was still painting to the last.

An inspiration for many, she was that rare individual people remember and look up to. Sara Wil had a clear mind (what a mind!) to the end. She was interested in everything and everyone. Admired for her talent and intellect, she was beloved for her wit and compassion and because she was fun. She met life's challenges with resourcefulness and a deep faith.

Sara Wil is survived by her son Fleming Saunders, V (Karen) of Burke, VA, her daughter Sara S. Hollberg (Mark) of Staunton VA, her six grandchildren Fleming Saunders VI (Janae) of Cedarville, OH, Reagan Everett Saunders of Charlottesville, VA, Grace Sykes Saunders of Charlottesville, Coalter Watts Hollberg (Callie) of Springfield, VA, Forrest Augustus Hollberg of Lynchburg, Beverly Grant Hollberg of Staunton; great grandsons Fleming Easton Saunders and Braden Harper Saunders of Cedarville and a great granddaughter on the way in Springfield; daughter-in-law Ann Sykes (North Chesterfield) and son-in-law Rick Cooley (Decatur, GA).

The family is grateful for her dear friend and caregiver Mable and for the warm embrace of neighbors who took her on walks and supplied joy and cookies. Her grandson Gus's living with her brought companionship and fine meals and added years to her life. With this support team including Rita and Centra Hospice, Sara Wil made the most of her 'bonus time.' She taught us all how to live.

A funeral service will be held at Church of the Epiphany in Amherst at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 15. Burial will be on April 26 at Church of the Good Shepherd in Evington. Memorial gifts can be made to Good Shepherd Society, c/o Billy McCarthy, 1223 Irish Court, Lynchburg 24503.