Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Sarah Bea Vanarsdale

Sarah Bea Vanarsdale, age 84, of Gresham, Oregon, passed away peacefully on November 26, 2024, surrounded by her loving family.

Sarah was born on May 26, 1940, to Drew and Lula Bell Vanarsdale in Camden, Mississippi.

As the twelfth of thirteen children, she grew up in a large and loving family in Mound Bayou, Mississippi, where she developed a deep passion for life and learning. After the passing of her beloved mother, Lula Bell, Sarah moved to Portland, Oregon, at the age of 16 to live with her older sister, Sallie. She attended Jefferson High School, where she excelled and graduated with pride.

Determined to help others, Sarah enrolled at Portland Community College and earned her certification as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). She went on to build a remarkable 34year career as a CNA and Surgical Technician at Legacy Good Samaritan Hospital. Sarah’s compassion, professionalism, and dedication left a lasting impact on her colleagues, patients, and the community.

A lifelong member of the Sharon Seventh-day Adventist Church, Sarah’s faith was the cornerstone of her life. Her unwavering belief in God guided her through triumphs and challenges, and her commitment to serving the Lord and her community inspired all who knew her.

Sarah’s life was also marked by love, resilience, and the joys and challenges of marriage. She was married three times, first to Louis Mayes, with whom she raised four children. After their marriage ended, she married Howard Thomas, with whom she welcomed a fifth child. Her final marriage was to Charles Hanley, who became a cherished companion in the later years of her life. Though all three husbands preceded her in death, Sarah carried the love, lessons, and memories of these relationships with her, weaving them into the tapestry of her remarkable story.

A woman of many talents, Sarah loved sewing, cooking, baking, and volunteering at her church. Known for her kind heart, quick wit, and unwavering faith, she brought warmth and joy to everyone around her. Her family will forever treasure memories of her infectious laughter, delicious home-cooked meals, and the thoughtful advice she shared so generously. Above all, Sarah cherished her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and extended family, who were the greatest pride and joy of her life.

Sarah was preceded in death by her daughter, Cheryle Mayes; her grandchildren, Jamil Myrick, Andre Mayes, Mario Mayes, and Derrall Burns; her parents, Drew and Lula Bell; and all of her siblings: James, Zetta Mae, Mary Ann, John, Sallie Mae, Willie George, Polly, McKinley, Loula Mae, Martha Lea, George, and Bertha.

She is survived by her children, Debra, Patricia, Steve Mayes, and Darrell Thomas; her grandchildren, Chevelle, Jamila, Chanell, Donald Jr., Sharlisa, Cherelle, Andriese, Mounia, Baron, and Brandon; her great-grandchildren; and a multitude of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

Sarah’s legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched, both personally and professionally. She leaves behind a family and community forever shaped by her love, strength, and faith.

A memorial service celebrating the life of Sarah Bea Vanarsdale will be held on Sunday, December 22, 2024, at 12:00 p.m. at Sharon Seventh-day Adventist Church, located at 5209 NE 22nd Avenue, Portland, OR 97211.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Sharon Seventh-day Adventist Church at the same address.

Sarah’s life was a profound testament to resilience, love, and selfless service. Her unwavering faith, boundless compassion, and enduring strength will continue to inspire all who were fortunate to know her.

Rest in peace, sweet Sarah. Your love and legacy will forever remain in our hearts.