Sarah L. Fink

Sarah Lamberth Fink, a 29-year resident of Tyler, passed away in Tyler on February 25 at the age of 98. She was born in Corinth, Mississippi, on December 13, 1914, to Elbert Perry and Myrtle Burns Lamberth. Her father, a U.S. postal inspector, was killed in the line of duty in 1917, one of the first employee fatalities of the modern Postal Service. Following his death, Sarah’s mother moved to Dallas with her and her brother, E.P. Sarah graduated from North Dallas High School, where in her junior year she was chosen “Sweetheart of North Dallas.” Following graduation, she worked for the law firm of Turner, Rodgers Winn as a receptionist, and later worked as a legal secretary for Lone Star Gas for seven years. Sarah married Willard Medearis Fink in 1935, and they had one child, George Kenneth Fink, born in 1938. The family moved from Dallas to Houston in 1945 and lived there until moving to Tyler in 1984. Sarah was very active in her son’s school activities, serving as a “room mother” in each grade. She also volunteered for the Community Chest (now the United Fund), the Girl Scout Cookie drive and at the Veterans Hospital. As a member of South Main Baptist Church, Sarah was also very active in Sunday School class activities. She enjoyed bowling with her team, “The Pin Ups,” playing bridge and other card games, and belonging to two formal dance clubs with Medearis. After a 17-year hiatus from the business world, Sarah returned to work. She retired from Dresser Industries after 15 years as Executive Assistant to a staff Vice President. In Tyler, Sarah was a member of Green Acres Baptist Church, TASCA, the Newcomers Club and a volunteer for the American Heart Association. Sarah inspired everyone who knew her as a model for how to grow older without “getting old.” Behind her Southern gentlewoman exterior was a true “steel magnolia,” with a sense of humor, mental sharpness and feistiness envied by people half her age. Although she had her share of challenges in life, she never lost her positive outlook. As an example, she adopted two kittens and had a new house built for herself when she was in her 80s. Her morning ritual for decades included doing two newspaper crossword puzzles, then getting dressed and perfectly groomed for the day – even if she planned to stay home. She didn’t care if anyone knew her age because she got a kick out of seeing the surprise on their faces when they found out what it was. Sarah was preceded in death by her parents, husband Medearis Fink, son Ken Fink, brother E.P. Lamberth and longtime friend Johnny Wright. She is survived by a niece, Markeeta Brown of Dallas; best friend Jennifer Banks of Tyler; and beloved cats Maggie and Molly. Also left to cherish her memory is a close circle of Tyler friends whose loving devotion and vigilance enabled her to live independently in her own home until December: Carol Lott Hopkins and her husband Jerry; Vicki and Gary Bayless; Annah and John Wright; Jacklyn and Richard Randall, and Concha Rouse. Sarah’s memorial service will be held on Wednesday, March 6, at 3:30 at Stewart Family Funeral Home, 7525 Old Jacksonville Highway, Tyler. Pastor David Dykes of Green Acres Baptist Church will officiate. Sarah asked that in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to the Humane Society of East Texas, 1823 CR 386,Tyler, TX, 75705, or a kind deed be done for someone in need.

Sarah L. Fink

December 13, 1914 - February 25, 2013