Sara Ann McCarty

Sara Ann McCarty, 62, passed away peacefully on July 4, 2025, surrounded by her loving family after a courageous five-year battle with ovarian cancer. 

Born on May 10, 1963, in Panama City, Florida, Sara was the daughter of Willis Barnum Coker McCarty and Betty Ann Roberts McCarty. In 1971, her family moved to Jacksonville when her father was called to serve as Rector at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church. She attended St. Mark’s Episcopal Day School and graduated from Episcopal High School, where she developed a love for music and theater. 

Sara began her college studies at Florida State University and later earned her associate’s degree from FSCJ. She then moved to Lausanne, Switzerland, where she worked as an au pair and studied piano at the Conservatoire de Lausanne—an experience that deeply enriched her life. After three years abroad, she returned to Jacksonville and began a successful career as a sales manager and trainer with American Transtech. She later joined Cel-Tel International as a personal assistant and accounts manager, remaining there until her retirement at age 55 following the company’s sale. 

Sara brought warmth, wit, and energy to everything she did. Her vibrant personality and deep compassion endeared her to everyone she met. She found joy in time spent with family and friends, in music, and in simple pleasures: playing the piano, watching classic films (especially Westerns), creating funny car videos, and enjoying the outdoors through skiing, boating, and beach time at St. Teresa Beach and Amelia Island. A devoted animal lover, Sara cared for many beloved dogs and cats over the years. 

Sara is predeceased by her father Rev. Barnum McCarty and her life partner Elizabeth Wilson. She is survived by her mother, Betty Ann McCarty; her sisters, Clara Elizabeth Pulignano (Nicholas Vincent) and Mary Shannon Graham (James Cole); and her nieces and nephews: Claire Elizabeth Pulignano, Nicholas Vincent Pulignano III (Kelly), Helen Laine Gandy (Coleman), Elizabeth Ann Gilrain (Sean), and James Cole Graham Jr. Sara also leaves behind her cherished dogs, Cici and Buster.  

The family wishes to express heartfelt gratitude to the extraordinary doctors, nurses, and care teams at UF Health, whose compassion, skill, and personal dedication gave Sara comfort and strength throughout her journey. 

A service celebrating Sara’s life will be held at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 4129 Oxford Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32210, on Monday, July 28, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. Arrangements are under the direction and care of Evergreen Funeral Home (904) 353-3649.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the St. Mark’s Rector’s Discretionary Fund or to Camp Weed and Cerveny Conference Center, causes close to Sara’s heart.