Sarah Elizabeth Farmer

Sarah Elizabeth Farmer, born December 30, 1977, in Wilson, North Carolina, passed away on Monday, September 7, 2026, at Mission Hospital in Asheville, North Carolina. She will be remembered as a woman of deep compassion, generous spirit, and abiding devotion to both people and animals.

Sarah obtained her nurse's aide certification, a fitting path for someone whose life reflected care, service, and concern for others. She gave of herself freely as a volunteer with many local charities, including the Red Cross, the Orange County Animal Shelter, the Botanical Department of UNC, and her church. Her kindness found expression not only in service, but also in the warmth she extended to those around her and in the tenderness she showed to animals. Whether showing dogs, loving cats and horses, or caring for every reptile, amphian, or insect she ever came across. She also loved to travel to Europe, Canada, and across this country.

A longtime member of University United Methodist Church in Chapel Hill, Sarah found joy and fellowship there through singing in the choir and serving on the Altar Guild. Her faith community was an important part of her life, and she participated in it with both dedication and gladness. She also had a love for photography, an interest that reflected an eye for beauty and a spirit attentive to the world around her. She entered contest and had multiple photographs chosen for display at the North Carolina Botanical Garden.

Sarah is survived by her mother, Elizabeth “Betsy” Godbold Wilburn and her step-father, Joe; and by her father, John Raymond Farmer and her step-mother, Sharon Griffin Farmer. She is also survived by her step-siblings and their families: Mamie Colburn and her husband James Radtke, Adam Smith and his wife Sarah Gilliam, Eric Smith and his wife Kay Smith, Ellen Wilburn, and David Wilburn. She is further survived by her step-grandmothers, Marlene Griffin and Patsy Griffin; her aunts, Anne Godbold, and Jeanette Farmer; her uncle, Gary Farmer and his wife Brenda; and by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and her adopted family in England. May the love of family and the memory of Sarah’s gentle, giving life bring comfort to all who mourn her.

She was preceded in death by her brother, Matthew Farmer; and by her uncles, Thomas Farmer and Graham Farmer.

A memorial service to celebrate Sarah's life will be held at University United Methodist Church, 150 E Franklin St, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27514, at a date to be determined.

Sarah Elizabeth Farmer’s life was marked by service, faith, creativity, and love. She leaves behind a memory cherished by family, friends, and all who were touched by her generous heart.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Sarah's memory to your local humane society.

Anders Rice & Roper Funeral Home and Cremation Center is honored to serve Sarah's family.