Sara's biggest pride was being 'Granny'. She loved her grandchildren and loved spending time with them. A lot of the children that called her Granny weren't related at all but that hardly seemed to matter. She enjoyed drawing and sketching, arts and crafts, taking pictures, researching family history, 'her girls night out', shopping, time spent with friends and she was an avid 'facebooker'. She was raised as an Assembly of God; she loved the Lord Almighty, Jesus Christ.
Survivors include two daughters, Jennifer Gavin and husband Randy of Monticello, Krista Newkirk and husband Lester of Hot Springs, one son Charles Marter, Jr. and wife Andrea of Monticello. Six grandchildren; Heath Loveless, Cassidy Gavin both of Monticello, Jeffrey Newkirk of Hot Springs, Taylor, Trenton and Sydnee Marter all of Monticello, and Shannon Gavin of Rye. Two great-grandchildren Autumn and Noah Gavin of Rye. One honorary great-granddaughter, Micah Montgomery of Hamburg. One sister, Diana Shoptaw of Magnet Cove, one brother, Van McMahon, Jr. of Monticello, two brothers-in-law, James Marter and wife Debbie of Monticello, Don Marter and wife Donna of Monticello, two sisters-in-law Nancy Forrest Doggett of Monticello, Juanita Smith and husband Shine of Oak Grove, LA. Sara left behind many nieces and nephews, cousins and friends. A day-care of children that new her as Granny, and a very awesome group of ladies she called her best friends; Deed Shoptaw, Kim Reed, Lynn Marshall, Erma Lee Maness Foster, Dolly Rhodes Farmer, Jeanne Coffman, Sharon Hoppers Barnes and Lisa Coon. One dog Sheba, her crazy cat Dahli and his sidekick Toby.
A special thank you to Dr. Tim Simon, his staff at Monticello Medical Clinic, especially Mandy Hayden, Dr. Mark Gibbs and the nurses of the 6th floor oncology wing at Baptist Hospital and to Dr. Omar Atiq, his staff at the Arkansas Cancer Institute and to Hospice Home Care in Monticello…….each and every one of you were so loving and kind.
Condolences(17)
Myra Tate
, AR Friday, April 20, 2012 Dear Jen, Taylor, Trenton & CharleyOur hearts are saddened by your loss and our thoughts and prayers are with each and everyone of you.
Sara's kind soul and giving spirit touched so many and Sara will never be forgotten.
Myra, Sabrina and JoAnn
cathy wilson
Pine Bluff, AR Tuesday, April 17, 2012 Sarah was a wonder person and I know that she will be missed by so many. I guess Charley was ready for her. I know they are looking down and smiling at there kids and grand kids saying Yup we had it all!Charlsie Berryman
Mabelvale, AR Thursday, April 12, 2012 Jennifer and family,So sorry to hear about the passing of your mother. May God be with you and give you strength during your time of loss. May prayers are with you.
Barbara Burks McElroy
Monticello, AR Monday, April 9, 2012 To the family, I am so sorry for your loss. She will be missed. I have known Sara for a very long time and was proud that our paths were allowed to cross. She is no longer in any kind of pain, she is healed now and she is with Charles Raymond once again.Debbie Reeves
Wilmar, AR Monday, April 9, 2012 Your family is in our prayers. We will miss you Sara.Andy Briant
Monticello, AR Monday, April 9, 2012 R.I.P. Sara. Prayers of peace and comfort for all her surviving family and friends. It was an honor to play and sing at her last birthday party. She is now having a great time in heaven and we'll see her again soon!Norma Petty
Aurora, MO Monday, April 9, 2012 So sorry to hear about Sara. If there is anything I can do let me know. You all will be remembered in our prayers. NormaDiana Abney
Sherwood, AR Monday, April 9, 2012 Sara was a wonderful compassionate and caring person and will truly be missed. Praying that God may comfort her family during this difficult time.Henrietta Flowers
North Little Rock, AR Monday, April 9, 2012 Oh how she will be missed. Great friend, great classmate, strong, courageous and a wonderful lady. My thoughts and prayers are with you all as we celebrate her life.Phillip & Diana Hoppers
Pine Bluff, AR Sunday, April 8, 2012 Sara has been a friend to the Hoppers Family since thedays of her youth. We learned to love her and watched her blossom into a kind and strong woman. Heaven is a
better place because of her presence and we have the
promise of seeing her again one day. Our continued prayers are with you, her family members.
Love, Phillip and Diana
Dolly Farmer
Monticello, AR Sunday, April 8, 2012 My sweet Sara, I know you are in the presence of our Lord and savior, and I know you are watching over all you left behind, but I pray that Jesus will grant peace to those of us left behind, because you were/are an important part of so many lives here it is so very hard to say bye, so I'm just going to say see you when I get to the gate, and I'll always remember your laugh and kindness to everyone in your life, especially me! I love and miss you already and forever!Linda Naron
Monticello, AR Saturday, April 7, 2012 Jen, Randy, and all family members, I knew Sara since she was a teenager and always liked her a lot. She went to school with me and to the church that my Dad, Rev. Leslie Hoppers pastored, Oak Grove Assembly of God, so we go to know the McMahons very well. I am proud to have known her and loved her. You are right, she is another one of God's angels. Jen you and your family were her angels here on earth. You took very good care of Sara, and she loved you for it. You are in my prayers every day. May God be with you. Love, Linda NaronDavid Wm. Smith
Monticello, AR Saturday, April 7, 2012 My prayers and condolences to Sara's family and other friends. Sara was a great encouragement to me when I was sick and battling to regain my health.. She will never be forgotten! I look forward to seeing her again,soon.Joan Wiltshire White
Allen, TX Saturday, April 7, 2012 Sara we shared so many laughs, family history and memories.My dear cousin I will forever carry your memory in my heart.
Love you much now rest from the hard fought battle and someday we will meet again Lord's willing.
Sharon Hoppers Barnes
Naples, FL Saturday, April 7, 2012 Yes, Heaven has indeed received an Angel - in fact, a very Extraordinary Angel.Sara was a life-long friend of mine through our school days and our attending Oak Grove Assembly of God church. We had just reconnected in 2009 at at our 40th High School Reunion. I told her at the Reunion that she was the "coolest girl" in school to which she replied, "Sharon Hoppers Barnes, how come it took you 40 years to tell me that?" That was my Sara.
A kinder and sweeter soul you wouldn't find. She loved her husband, children and grandchildren, and her family pets, with all her heart. If you've ever visited her home, you are immediately impressed with the numerous photographs of all her beloved family in every room - so many pictures that it would be hard to tell what color the walls were. Family was "everything" to Sara.
Sara and I had planned to be "Golden Girl" friends from here on out and even though our plan didn't follow through the way we'd hoped, I know I will meet her in Heaven one day.
Until then, I have memories and photographs of my very dear friend to remember her by. I also have acquired new friends - the Gavin, Marter, and Newkirk families - Sara's children and their children - and she lives on through them.
God bless you, Jen, Randy, Heath and Cassie for taking such great care of Sara and with so much love. God bless you, Charlie and family and Krista and family for also being the loving children you were to your Mama.
I was blessed by knowing Sara as a great friend, and now Heaven is just "one Angel sweeter." R.I.P., Sara Frances McMahon Marter, till we meet again. xoxo
Susan Smith
Little Rock, AR Saturday, April 7, 2012 My prayers are with all the family and friends of our dear classmate, Sara. She fought a brave battle and is now at peace with our Lord. May she rest in peace. We love you, Sara.Jen Gavin
Monticello, AR Saturday, April 7, 2012 Oh my goodness Mama this is tougher than I ever imagined.....my peace is knowing that you are not sick anymore; no more pain and no more tears. I know you are wearing your angel wings well! I love you more, Jen