Sarah Mcfadden

Sarah Alcorta McFadden, age 71, of Abilene, Texas, went to be with the Lord on December 10, 2020. Sarah was born January 15, 1949, in Sweetwater, Texas, to Ricardo and Maria Alcorta.

She is survived by her husband, Dale McFadden of Abilene, Texas; children, Jimmy Ray Smith, Jr and wife, Shonda, of Allen, Texas, and Joshua Smith of Abilene; grandchildren, Tyler Smith, Logan Smith, Katherine Smith, and Krue Smith; sisters Luisa Anzaldua and husband Pete of Cuero, Martha Alcorta of Plano, Irene Garcia and husband Mario of Garland; brothers Joe Alcorta and wife Liandra of Abilene, Sammy Alcorta and wife Anita of Arlington; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her son, James Richard Smith, her parents Ricardo and Maria Alcorta, her sisters Margarita Greaves, Julia Gloria, Rachel Smith, and her brother Rico Alcorta.

Sarah loved her Lord, her family, and her friends. She impacted the lives of many through her time as a reading teacher in AbileneISD and through her time as a volunteer in the children’s ministry at Pioneer Drive Baptist Church. She felt a strong calling to minister to children and help them to discover the joy of reading and help them know they were loved by God.

What gave Sarah the greatest joy was being with her family. She was a proud mom, grandma, sister, and aunt. She loved visiting with her brothers and sisters. She spent many hours around a table with them playing cards, sharing good memories, and laughing. Sarah loved to support her grandchildren, nieces and nephews in whatever event they were participating. She loved to be a part of family celebrations like birthdays, graduations, and other special occasions. Family togetherness was so important to her. She and Dale traveled all over the state so she could be with her family. She would do anything to make sure her family knew they were loved, cared for, and supported.

A memorial service will be held at Elmwood Funeral Home Chapel, 5750 Hwy 277 South, Abilene, TX 79606, on Saturday, December 19, 2020, at 11:00 a.m. Sarah will lie in state on Thursday from 2 to 4 PM and Friday from 9 to 4 PM. The family understands the current situation with COVID and encourages anyone who is concerned to please feel free to watch the service on the livestream that will be available at www.elmwoodfuneral.com at the bottom of Sarah's obituary. The family asks that those who do choose to attend wear a mask and practice social distancing.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the “Nehemiah Men” Ministry at Pioneer Drive Baptist Church, 701 South Pioneer Dr, Abilene, TX 79605. This ministry graciously built a ramp and a deck for Sarah so that she could enjoy being outside with her grandson, Krue.

“Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.” (I Thessalonians 4:13-14)