Sarah Rhoden Dance

April 7, 1940 - October 28, 2019

Sarah Rhoden Dance, 79, of Clinton passed away after a long battle with dementia on October 28, 2019 with the love of her life by her side. Sarah was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend to many. Sarah was born on April 7, 1940, the daughter of the late Robert and Helen Rhoden of Aiken, SC. She married her childhood sweetheart, Thomas Abney (Tom) Dance, on August 21, 1960 in Aiken. Beautiful inside and out, she was crowned May Queen her senior year at Aiken High School. She loved reading and excelled in school, and she earned an academic scholarship to Winthrop College in Rock Hill. Sarah’s reputation was known far and wide, and for special reasons – She was a consummate homemaker who exercised her gift of hospitality often, and she made sure every person who walked through her door felt welcome and loved. If they left hungry, it was by no fault of hers; an excellent cook in the Southern tradition, Sarah was known for mouth-watering fried chicken, delicious cakes worth their calories, and a squash casserole that won over even the pickiest of eaters. Friendly and thoughtful, she served as the Clinton and Laurens Welcome Wagon hostess for years. She encouraged family traditions that created treasured memories, and as a doting grandmother, she intentioned to know her grandchildren well. She made sure to have their favorite homemade treats and goodies on hand whenever they visited. Most of all, she loved the Lord in word and deed, faithfully serving Him throughout her life. Together with Tommy, she impacted countless lives in youth, women’s, and prison ministry until her health no longer permitted her service. Even throughout her illness, she continued pointing people to Christ through the incredible bond she shared with her husband. In addition to her loving husband of 59 years, she is survived by four sons and daughters-in-love, Tad (Robin) of Macon, GA, Craig (Hazel) of Greenville, Philip (Bebe) of Anderson, Michael (Janice) of Greer; and 11 grandchildren, ages 27 to seven years: Rachel (Denver, CO), Thomas (Chattanooga, TN), Stephen (Atlanta, GA); Matthew (Greenville), Jacob (Orlando, FL), Anna (Clemson); Caleb (Anderson), Joel (Clemson), Erin (Anderson); David (Greer), and Abigail (Greer); her brother, Bobby (Suzanne) Rhoden of Aiken; and her great niece and namesake, Sarah Moseley of Prosperity. The family is indebted to those who have helped care for Sarah, particularly Kristal Tribble, Carolyn Roberts, and Laura Nelson. A memorial service and celebration of her life is planned at First Presbyterian Church in Clinton on Saturday, November 2, 2019 at 1:00pm, and friends may speak to the family immediately following the service in the church fellowship hall. Arrangements are being handled by Gray Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice of Laurens County, P.O. Box 178, Clinton, SC 29325or Victory Harvest Ministries of 510 Meadowmont Village Circle, PMB 369 Chapel Hill, NC, 27517.