Sara Shingler

Sara Starnes Shingler, 86, of Spartanburg, SC died Saturday, October 29, 2016, at Evergreen Memory Care of Eden Terrace. Born July 18, 1930 in Rock Hill, SC, she was the daughter of the late Henry Clayton Starnes, Sr. and Alma Boyd Starnes. She was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church. Sara attended Winthrop and earned her BSN at USC School of Nursing, then taught clinical nursing at Spartanburg General Hospital School of Nursing before raising four children and dedicating herself to volunteering in a number of capacities to increase interracial harmony and advocate for women and children. Sara served as Co-President of Carver Jr. High PTA; President of Spartanburg County and SC Medical Association Auxiliary; founding member of the SC Child Protection Advisory Committee, and was instrumental in founding the Spartanburg Children's Shelter (now Hope Center for Children). She was also a Court Appointed Special Advocate for abused and neglected children; Trustee of Claflin College, Orangeburg, SC; and President of United Methodist Women at the local, district, conference, and national level. She was especially honored to travel the world for United Methodist Women during her time as president. Sara received an honorary Doctorate of Humanities from Wofford College in recognition of her service. Survivors, in addition to her loving husband of 62 years, John Monroe "Jack" Shingler, Jr. include children John M. Shingler, III (Jenni) of Greenwood, SC; Lisa Shingler of Spartanburg, SC (former husband Peter K. Martel); Alma Shingler Mize (Sam) of Aiken, SC; Helen Shingler DeForest (Richard) of New Orleans, LA; grandchildren Ivey Shingler (Ashla), Julia Shingler; P.J. Martel; K.C. Martel; Smith Mize; Elisabeth Mize; Will Mize; Roy DeForest; Jack DeForest; siblings Henry Clayton Starnes, Jr. (Jeannette); Margaret Jackson; Mary Emma Hambright; Bill Starnes (Mary); special friend Donna Mize, and many nieces and nephews. The family would like to express their appreciation to the many caregivers from Interim Home Health Care, Evergreen Memory Care of Eden Terrace, and others for their help in caring for Sara. Funeral services will be at 11:00 am, Friday, November 4, 2016, at Trinity United Methodist Church, 626 Norwood Street, Spartanburg, SC, 29302, conducted by the Rev. Neal Y. Woods and the Rev. Mickey Fisher. A reception for family and friends will follow in the fellowship hall. There will be a private inurnment in Trinity United Methodist Church Columbarium prior to the service. Memorials may be made to the charity of one's choice. Floyd's North Church Street Chapel To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Sara Starnes Shingler please visit our Sympathy Store.