Sarah Goodwin Shaner

Sarah Goodwin Shaner, 77, of Marshall, NC, formerly of Morehead City, died peacefully on August 24, 2019, in Asheville, NC.

Sarah’s memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, August 28, 2019, at Marshall Presbyterian Church. A reception follows at the church’s Fellowship Hall. Her interment will take place in Morehead City, NC. Her interment will take place at 11 a.m. on Saturday, August 31, 2019 at Bayview Cemetery in Morehead City, officiated by Rev. Jimmy Mercer.

Sarah was born in Anthracite coal mining eastern Pennsylvania May 4, 1942. That year her family moved to Morehead City, NC where her father opened a fishing business out of nearby Cedar Island, NC. Sarah’s teenage years found her navigating through Morehead City High School. Following her brother a few years earlier, she graduated in 1960.

Sarah’s son was born in a first marriage; she and her second husband moved to the Florida Keys where they established a landscaping business and Sarah became a licensed real estate agent. She established her own real estate agency. In her new role, Sarah eventually found herself chartering flights with a dashing young pilot named Hank Shaner. That turned into flying lessons, and in 1974 the flying lessons turned into a 45-year first-class non-stop flight with husband Hank. Sarah became a licensed private pilot. She was also part owner of a florist shop with retired teacher Peggy Cook. Peggy became a member of their family as Hank and Sarah cared for her when she became ill. They were all active members of the Presbyterian Kirk of the Keys.

A few years later in 1980 Hank and Sarah bought property in the North Carolina mountains of Madison County where Sarah, energetic as ever, soon became an elder in Marshall Presbyterian Church, a leader with the Neighbors in Need organization, graced her church with her many flower arrangements, served as an election judge, provided services to our county Department of Social Services, baked delicious cakes for Vernon’s restaurant, and read scripture to the residents at Elderberry Nursing Home. Sarah also led her church in providing meals to the Black Mountain Home for Children and many others.

Hank has lost his beloved co-pilot of 45 years, and we too have lost a valued friend.

She is survived by her husband of 45 years, Hank Shaner, and her nephew whom she loved as a son, Vernon Goodwin.

Sarah follows her parents Lloyd and Rhea Goodwin, along with her older brother Vernon, and her son Davis from a previous marriage.

Arrangements by Madison Funeral Services in Marshall, NC and Munden Funeral Home and Crematory in Morehead City, NC.