Sarah Jane Wall

October 15, 1917 - June 11, 2016

Sarah Jane Wall, daughter of the late Jesse Columbus and Josephine (Thornsberry) Sears, was born October 15, 1917, in Pulaski County, Missouri, where she grew up and attended school in Hawkeye, before graduating from Swedeborg High School in 1935. On July 17, 1937, in Lebanon, Missouri, Sarah was married to the love of her life, Delmar R. Wall. Together they shared over 49 years of marriage before his passing on April 19, 1986, and were blessed with two daughters: Wanda Sue and Mary Jo, lovingly known as, “Tudie.” Sarah made a profession of faith and was baptized in the First Christian Church of Richland, where she attended. However, she was a longtime member of Concord Christian Church. Sarah’s first job was the teacher of a one room school house in the Richland area. She was employed at Wall Construction, a family-operated business as their secretary and bookkeeper. She later worked as a supervisor for General Telephone Yellow Pages Division ASCS in Waynesville, Missouri for several years. After retiring, Sarah enjoyed going to the Warren Senior Center and visiting with her old friends and also enjoyed getting acquainted with new folks of the community. She also liked making quilts, working on her needlework, reading, and playing cards. However, spending time with her family was what made her heart rejoice. Sarah had a beautiful smile and a warm hug to give to those she loved. She had a little sass, mixed in with a bit of spunk; some would call it orneriness, however, Sarah had a zest for life, and lived it to its fullest. On the evening of Saturday, June 11, 2016, with her daughter by her side, in the Buffalo Prairie Care Center, Buffalo, Missouri; Sarah entered into the Heavenly gates, where she received a, “Welcome Home” from her Lord and Savior, having attained the age of 98 years, 7 months, and 27 days. She leaves behind to cherish her memory, two loving daughters: Wanda Sue Swenson of Marshfield, MO and Mary Jo “Tudie” Chambers (Howard) of Brea, CA; her five grandchildren: Stacey Brown (Jim), David Swenson (Kathie), Todd Toler (Jennifer), Samantha Chambers and Shanie Chambers: her three great grandchildren: Joseph David, also known as, “J.D.” Brown, Matthew Brown, and Lola Moxie Morrow; several nieces, nephews, and a host of other relatives and friends. In addition to her parents, Sarah was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Delmar and her two brothers: Clifton Eugene Sears and Ferrel Eudell Sears. One of Sarah’s favorite passages in the Bible is found in Rev. 21:4 which reads; “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.” Though Sarah is absent from our sight, we can celebrate her life, a life well lived, and be assured that one day we will all be reunited with our precious Sarah Jane. Services were held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, June 17, 2016 in the Memorial Chapel of Richland with Pastor Tim Gola officiating. Soloist, Becky Lercher sang, “Mansion over the Hilltop,” “Peace in the Valley,” and “I Feel Like Traveling On.” Serving as escorts were Harold Eugene Sears, Bob Tannehiu, Matthew Brown, John Baugh, Joseph David Brown and Steve Lynch. Honorary escorts were Ferrel Eudell “Skip” Sears, Vic Lynch, Tom Sears and Kenneth Wall. Burial followed in the Crocker Memorial Park Cemetery, Crocker, Missouri. Services were under the direction of Memorial Chapel of Richland. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of “Miss Sarah” to the Pemberton-Thornsberry Cemetery Fund, or to the Richland Christian Church and may be left at the Memorial Chapel of Richland funeral home.