Sara Boone Martin

Sara Elizabeth Boone Martin, age 89, entered her eternal home on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at Smoky Mountain Health and Rehabilitation, after a lengthy period of residence there.

Born on August 20, 1936, Sara was the daughter of the late Roberts Haygood Boone (1984) and Maria Elizabeth Crymes Boone (1983). She was also preceded in death by her husbands, Floyd Campbell and Joseph Martin; her brothers, James Kerr Boone, Joseph L. Boone, Allen Boone, and William Martin Boone; and her sisters, Mary Joanne Boone Byrd and Eugenia Boone Jeter.

Sara’s love of learning and dedication to children shaped her life’s path early on. A proud graduate of Waynesville Township High School, Class of 1955, she continued her education at Mars Hill College and later Appalachian State University, where she earned her Master’s Degree in Elementary Education with a focus in K–8 Language Arts. For 33 years, she devoted herself to teaching in the Haywood County School System, finding immense joy and fulfillment in the growth and success of her students.

In addition to her passion for teaching, Sara possessed a lifelong love of music, particularly the piano. For over 60 years, she served faithfully as the pianist at Francis Cove United Methodist Church, where her music and gentle spirit enriched countless services and gatherings. Her deep faith and active involvement in the life of the church were cornerstones of who she was.

Left to cherish her memory are her daughter, Melinda B. Campbell of Raleigh; stepson, Joseph B. Martin of Maryland; stepdaughter, Penelope G. Martin of Delaware; sisters, Ruth Helen B. Noland of Waynesville and Linda B. Garrett of Clinton, Mississippi; and sister-in-law, Betty N. Boone of Waynesville. Sara also leaves behind many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who will remember her with love and gratitude.

A memorial service to celebrate Sara’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at Francis Cove Global Methodist Church in Waynesville, with Reverend Tim McConnell officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following the service at the church. A private family interment will take place prior to the memorial service at Greenhill Cemetery in Waynesville, NC.

Memorial donations may be made to Francis Cove Global Methodist Church, 2530 Crymes Cove Road, Waynesville, NC 28786, or to Haywood County Public Library Foundation at 678 S Haywood Street, Waynesville, NC 28786, or to Haywood County Historical and Genealogical Society at P.O. Box 444, Waynesville NC, 28786.

The care of Mrs. Martin has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home of Waynesville.