Sarah (Stone) Carter

Sarah Stone Carter, age 89, of Waynesboro Georgia, passed away peacefully at her home on December 11, 2025. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025 at the First Methodist Church in Waynesboro. Visitation will be held an hour preceding the funeral, at 10 a.m. Services will be officiated by Reverend Keith Cox at 11 a.m., with burial following at Burke Memorial Gardens.

Born in Waynesboro, Mrs. Carter was a lifelong resident and served in her community for over sixty years. Inspired by her father, who had served as a city councilman and mayor of Waynesboro, she assumed leadership roles, and organized events such as the Community Concert Series, and the Shriners Farm Fest. She was implemental in the organization of Edmund Burke Academy, helped establish safe historical archives for Burke County, and was appointed to serve as a member on the Waynesboro Planning and Zoning appeals board.  Her love of history and ancestry was inspirational in her life service.

Mrs. Carter organized the Patrick Carr children of the American Revolution, and started the local Richard Warren chapter of the 17th century colonial Dames, leading as Past Regent from 2014-2019. She also served as Past Regent of the Edmund Burke chapter of the DAR from 2004-2010. For her work and service in these historical organizations, she is honored annually on December 27th, Sara Carter Day, by the Colonial Dames, the UDC and DAR. In her last act of service, she contributed to the planning of the menu for an upcoming January 2026 UDC and CD event.

A 1954 graduate of Waynesboro High, Mrs. Carter was an active member of the beta club and outstanding young women of America. She attended college at Georgia State College for women and majored in business. Continuing her educational pursuits, she focused on her passion for cooking and floral design.

Married to Tracy MacKenzie Carter, her childhood sweetheart, Sara was blessed to enjoy a cherished marriage for almost 70 years. They had two children, Cathy Carter Harley, and Leah Carter Chambers, and two grandchildren, Jessica Harley and Sarah C .Jones. Her children were her life, and her husband held her heart.

While her husband, Tracy, served as president of the local Shrine Club, she organized a Ladies Shrine Auxillery, and was an active member of the order of the Eastern Star.

Mrs Carter involved herself in the lives of her children and grandchildren during their formative years, becoming a leader in their Brownie and Girl Scout groups. She also shared her faith in Jesus, teaching Sunday School and working with the GAs. She encouraged her girls’ participation in parades and events, especially those that exhibited patriotism and love of country. Mrs. Carter was truly an example of leadership in her family and community.

Mrs. Carter worked as a bookkeeper for the HW Stone lumber company, the family business, for many years. Her entrepreneurial spirit, led her to establish Wisteria Hall in 1996. There she hosted and catered luncheons, brunches and weddings for 10 years.

Mrs. Carter was a district director who organized seven junior clubs for the Georgia Federation of Women’s Clubs. She was involved in the formation of Town and Country women’s club for local older women, as well as the White Columns Women’s Club. She also served three two-year terms as President of Burkeland Garden Club, reflecting her love of flowers and floral design, especially native wildflowers which she loved seeing used in designs.

Mrs. Carter is preceded in death by her father and mother, Harold West Stone and Eula Norris Stone, as well as three sisters, Eula Lee Kirkpatrick, Haroldene Virginia Hilliard, and Martha Louise Floyd.

Survivors include daughters, Cathy Carter Harley (Herbert) of Beaufort, SC and Leah Carter Chambers of Waynesboro Ga and two granddaughters, Jessica McKenzie Harley of Beaufort, SC and Sarah C. Jones (Davis) of Milledgeville, GA and several nieces and nephews.

Active pallbearers will include Walton Bud North, Greg Coursey, Wright North, Ben Carter, Donnie North and Ashley Hammett.

Honorary pallbearers include Richard Warren, 17th century Colonial Dames, Edmund Burke DAR members, and members of the Margaret Jones UDC.

“Be proud of your country. Get up, get out and get involved. Find out where you can help, and where you can lead, and what needs doing. In all of things, ‘trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding’ (Proverbs 3:5). Make God the Center of your life.”~ Sara Carter

Burke Memorial Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

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