Obituary for Sarah Elizabeth Avary

Sarah Elizabeth Avary, age 92, of Hayesville, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 20, 2025.

Sarah was born in Cypress, Florida, to the late Francis Grover and Mildred Ham Darsey. She dedicated her professional life to a career in commercial insurance. Beyond her work, Sarah found great joy in life's quieter pleasures-sewing, gardening, reading, and playing the piano. Her faith was important to her, and she was a devoted member of First United Methodist Church of Hayesville.

In addition to her parents, Sarah was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Archer Avary III, and her brother, Francis G. Darsey.

She leaves behind a loving family who will cherish her memory: her children, Sheila Avary-Mullins, Joseph A. Avary (Carmen), and Robert F. Avary (Alice); her brother, Leonard S. Darsey (Judy); four grandchildren, Joseph Avary II (Claire), Elizabeth Willett (Scott), Kathleen Mullins, and Robert I. Avary (Kendall); and five great-grandchildren, Jaida Brogan (Brian), Van Willett, Archie Willett, Wyatt Avary, and Marlena Willett.

A celebration of Sarah's life will be held at First United Methodist Church of Hayesville at a later date.

A special thank you to the staff of Clay County Health and Rehabilitation, including the administrative, Kitchen, Nursing, and CNA professionals, who lovingly cared for our mother from beginning to end.

Tributes and condolences may be shared with the Avary family at www.townson-rose.com

Townson-Rose Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with all the arrangements.