Sara Misner's Obituary
Sara Misner, beloved wife, mother and friend, entered the roll triumphant July 4, 2013. She was born May 23, 1933 in Winston-Salem, NC to Mark Duncan Dew and Mabel Claire Belk Dew (granddaughter of Dr. J.M. Belk, co-founder of Belk Stores). She spent her early childhood years in Smyrna, Turkey as her father was serving as President of the American Tobacco Company and after her father’s death in 1938 she and her mother moved back to their hometown of Monroe, NC. She attended Salem Academy and Mount Vernon Junior College. In 1953, she married Dr. Howard Samuel Misner of Miami Beach, FL and settled in Memphis, TN, as her husband completed dental school at the University of TN and began private practice as an oral surgeon. She had four children Howard Ellis Misner (Ginny) of Cascade, MT, Deborah Lynn Misner Escapite (Cuko) of Summerfield, FL, Janet Forbes Misner of Memphis, TN and Mark Belk Misner of Atlanta, GA. Though her focus and love was her home and her children, Sara always made time for her beloved church and her community. She never lost sight of those in need and was always quick to lend a hand. She was a member of Second Presbyterian Church since 1954 and served as a Sunday School teacher, Women of the Church participant, Martha Mary Circle for over 25 yrs., Caring Ministry Outreach and member of the Chapel Class. She also served on the Board of Directors of PDS, The Christian Psychological Center, Neighborhood Christian Center. Her caring notes and deliveries of food, flowers and gifts for all those in need will be remembered and forever missed. She never showed up at someone’s door empty handed or hearted. Sara’s love for her community was equally generous. She created and founded the Friends of The Pink Palace Museum through her work with The Junior League of Memphis and experience as a Board member. She served on the Board of Trustees of the Pink Palace Museum, Chairman of the Pink Palace Crafts Fair, The King’s Daughters and Sons Board and City Union, Colonial Dames, Association of Tennessee Arts and Antiquities, DAR, Tuesday Study Club and Little Glass Club. She was a lifetime member of The Dixon Gallery and Gardens and of the Salvation Army. Her love for gardening and plants carried through with her service on the Boards of the Little Garden Club, The Junior League Garden Club, The Arts and Garden Club. In 2008, she became a Master Gardener, along with her daughter, Janet, and spent many hours of volunteer work at the Memphis Botanic Garden. She was a member of Memphi, The University Club of Memphis, The Memphis Country Club, and the English Speaking Union. She never forgot her roots were in North Carolina, and served over 40 years on the Board of Directors of Belk Store Services, honoring her grandfather’s legacy. Sara and her husband, Howard, were enthusiastic world travelers and were blessed to see some of the most spectacular locations on Earth. Along with her husband, she participated in the East African Wildlife Society and Shikar Safari Club Int. She was an enthusiastic participant in all the arts and enjoyed collecting and learning all there is to know about art and culture and the world. Sara left her mark on her community with her time and her talent, but she forever remains in our hearts as one who served us well and loved us well. A private burial service will be held Monday, July 8. Visitation will be held Monday, July 8 from 12:30-2:00 in the sanctuary foyer of Second Presbyterian Church, with a celebration service to follow at 2:00 in the Sanctuary. In lieu of flowers: The Church Health Center (1210 Peabody Ave. Memphis, 38104), The Neighborhood Christian Center (785 Jackson Ave. 38107), The Caring Ministry of Second Presbyterian Church/Martha Mary Circle (4055 Poplar Ave. Memphis, 38117), The Sara and Howard Misner Scholarship Fund at the Memphis Botanic Garden (750 Cherry Rd., Memphis, 38117).
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