Sarah Anne Turner Patterson, 84, of California, MD, went to be with Jesus on May 16, 2026, with her beloved husband and devoted caregiver, Stacy, by her side.
Sarah lived a life shaped by faith, purpose, and a deep love for learning. Born on April 4, 1942, in Martinsville, VA, she was the only child of the late Bernard A. Turner and Ella Evona (Tanner) Turner. She graduated from James Monroe High School in Fredericksburg, VA, in 1960, earned her degree from Radford University in 1963, and received her Master of Arts in Education from The George Washington University in 1976.
From an early age, Sarah felt God’s call to teach children—a calling she embraced faithfully throughout her life. Her Christian faith was the foundation of both her character and her work. Alongside her passion for education was a love for writing. Over the years, she contributed articles to The Christian Teacher, Guideposts, and Home Life. She also authored biographical works preserving her family’s legacy, including stories of her mother’s childhood in Georgia, her father’s childhood on a Virginia farm, and her beloved Aunt Polly, whose century-long life stretched from the days of the horse-and-buggy to the digital age.
Sarah’s influence on Christian education in Southern Maryland was profound and enduring. She participated in founding Lexington Park Baptist Kindergarten and Preschool, and The King’s Christian Academy (formerly Lexington Park Christian School), where she served as Administrator for 30 years. Throughout her career, she taught in both public and private schools, including Frank Knox Elementary, Calvert Christian School, Charles County Community College, and St. Mary’s College of Maryland.
In the early years of Lexington Park Christian School, Sarah taught a combined 4th and 5th grade class while serving as Principal. She helped to shape the school’s academic and spiritual foundation. Her leadership included into curriculum development, accreditation, and teacher mentoring. She often presented at conferences for the Association of Christian Schools International and the Mid-Atlantic Christian Schools Association.
Under Sarah’s leadership, Lexington Park Christian School expanded from an elementary program into a fully approved grade K–12 institution. In 2004, the school—renamed The King’s Christian Academy—moved into a new 44,000-square-foot facility, reflecting decades of prayer, perseverance, and God’s provision.
After guiding the school through the ACSI accreditation process, she retired in 2009. Sarah continued serving as administrator emeritus, which included educational consulting and public relations for KCA. Her legacy lives on through the thousands of students, families, and educators whose lives have been shaped by her vision, compassion, and unwavering faith.
Above all, Sarah treasured her family. She met the love of her life, Charles Michael Patterson, on a blind date and graduated college a year early so they could marry on June 29, 1963, in Roanoke, VA. Together they raised two children and delighted in their three grandchildren and great-grandson. She loved traveling to be with her grandchildren in Memphis, spending time with them at their Christian School (Briarcrest), and vacationing together in Gatlinburg, Myrtle Beach and Nags Head over the years. Sarah’s home was a place of warmth, encouragement, and steadfast faith. Part of her legacy lives on through her namesake, Sarah-Ashley, who is a Christian School teacher.
In addition to her beloved husband, Mike, Sarah is survived by her daughter, Andrea Patterson Mikkola (David) of Eads, TN; grandchildren Joshua Mikkola of Collierville, TN, Sarah-Ashley Stechschulte (Nathan) of Columbus, OH, and Rachel Duell (Ethan) of Troutville, VA; great-grandson Everett James Duell; and many extended family members and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her parents and her son, Stephen Michael Patterson.
Memorial contributions in Sarah’s name may be made to The Kings Christian Academy, 20738 Point Lookout Road, Callaway, MD 20620.
“Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:23
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