Obituaries

VIRGINIA SADLER

Thursday, October 29, 2009 11:52 PM CDT

Virginia Fletcher Sadler, age 77, of Pine Bluff died Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2009, at Jefferson Regional Medical Center.

Virginia Sadler

She was born Sept. 20, 1932, at Memphis, Tenn., to the late Thomas Orr and Keturah Neely Fletcher.

She spent her early years in their Marion, Ark., home and later moved with her family to Pine Bluff.

Virginia graduated from Pine Bluff High School in 1950, where she was a member of the A Cappella Choir. She attended Henderson State Teacher’s College and later the University of Arkansas at Monticello, where she studied piano pedagogy. Virginia worked for Arkansas Power and Light for several years before beginning her true calling as a piano and voice teacher. Throughout her life, Virginia shared and passed on her passion for music with many students.

Virginia was an active member of Lakeside United Methodist Church in Pine Bluff, where she shared her musical gift in many church activities including singing in the chancel choir, directing handbell choirs, children’s choirs and youth musicals. She was also a member of the contemporary praise band, assisted with women’s prison ministry and provided accompaniment for the Hispanic worship service. Virginia was active in the Wedding Ring Class, United Methodist Women and numerous committees and work areas.

Virginia shared her musical talents with other churches and many community activities.

She was an active member of the AU Chapter of the P.E.O. Sisterhood and a member of the John McAlmont Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution.

One of Virginia’s greatest joys in life was her family. She enjoyed participating in her children’s and grandchildren’s activities ranging from sporting events to music and dance. Virginia had a strong sense of family history and tradition. She loved researching and documenting genealogy, family events and activities.

In her high school yearbook she was described as having the “voice of a nightingale and the smile of an imp.” Her comforting voice, music and warm smile endeared her to many leaving behind a legacy of family, faith and friends.

She is survived by her children, Henry Davis Sadler Jr. (Dave) and wife, Elizabeth of Pine Bluff, Andrew Neely Sadler and wife, Pam of Hot Springs, and Leeann Sadler of Little Rock; her grandchildren, Kristen Sadler, Adam Gates, Nathan Sadler, Michael Gates, Kaitlin Sadler, and Jessica Sadler; her brothers, Thomas Fletcher and wife, Jill and Paul Fletcher and wife, Joan, all of Hot Springs; her sister, Margaret Kresse of Lafayette, La.; and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

Virginia was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, Henry Davis Sadler and her parents.

A visitation will be held at Fuller Hale-South Funeral Home, 1621 S. Cherry St., in Pine Bluff on Sunday from 2-4 p.m. A celebration service officiated by Rev. Jim Brooks will be held at Lakeside United Methodist Church on Monday at 11 a.m.

Memorials may be made to Lakeside United Methodist Church, 1500 Olive St., Pine Bluff, Ark., 71601; or to a charity of choice.

Online condolences: www.FullerFunerals.com

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