Rev. Sarah Y. Green

Sarah was born on August 4, 1953, in Tollette, Arkansas to Doris W. Rhone and L.A. Pauley. From an early age, Sarah felt called to serve others and share the message of hope found in Christ. She became a member of Floyd T. Jeans CME Church (formerly Mt. Zion CME), where she served as pianist for the youth and young adult choir. Her training in the church during those years would serve her well for decades to come.

In 1971, Sarah graduated from Saratoga High School and continued her studies at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (formerly AM&N College). In 19 72, Sarah became a member of The Alpha Rho Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. She, along with her 9 sorors, were known as the “Ebony 10.” As a proud Golden Lion, she earned a degree in English with a minor in Music Education in 1975.

Sarah welcomed a daughter, Tamara (September 1982) and son, Charles (April 1985), affectionately known as “The Wild Hogs” in the town of Tollette, AR. In 1988, Sarah’s best friend, Sandra LaShae, introduced her to Raymond Green, Sr. A courtship commenced and took place over a few years and 1,000 miles. During this time, Sarah developed a love for CB radio. The blue Mazda­ operated by the one and only “Sweet P”- made many trips to North Carolina with Tamara and Charles in tow while somehow finding time to fine tune the perfect caramel and pound cake recipes.

After two years of long-distance courting, on August 4, 1990, Raymond and Sarah married. Shortly after their union, the couple relocated to High Point, NC, where they welcomed their daughter, Doretha Raye, in July of 1991 – “The Independence Baby.” Later that year, they returned to Prescott, AR, where Sarah accepted a position with the Hope School District teaching English. It was this appointment that would set the stage for Highway 4 West: the place the young family would eventually call home for years to come. Raymond and Sarah enjoyed 22 years of marriage until his death in 2011.

A dedicated educator for nearly 34 years, Sarah held teaching positions in Washington, Hope and Camden, Arkansas. She taught English with a side of life-skills and was always a favorite amongst students. She retired from the Camden-Fairview School District in the fall of 2008, having shaped the futures of countless students. “Mrs. Green” molded minds and hearts, always leading with a firm hand and a gentle spirit.

While raising her family on Highway 4, Sarah became a member of Whitis Chapel AME Church, again finding herself serving in the music, youths’ and women’s ministries. In 2003, Sarah accepted the call to the pastorate. She would go on to lead God’s people with joy for 22 years until relocating in 2025. Throughout her pastoral career, Rev. Green served faithfully at Bethel A.M.E. and Shiloh A.M.E., impacting many lives through her sermons, counseling, and community outreach. Her leadership style was modeled after two core sayings: “It’s nice to be nice” and “It costs you nothing to smile. ”

Sarah was very proud to enjoy a beautiful, blended family, including: the late Victor Williams; the late Raymond H. Green, Jr.; Tracey D. Green of Chidester, AR; Milton (Phyllis) Conley of Houston, TX, Stacey (Paula) Jones of Dallas, TX; Tanya (Adrian) Green-Johnson of Riverside, CA; Marquita Green of Fort Myers, FL; Tamara L. Green of Tontitown, AR; Charles (Chanel) Green of North Little Rock, AR; Doretha R. Green of Tontitown, AR.

On June 24, 2025, our beloved Sarah Y. Green was called home to be with the Lord.

Sarah was preceded in death by her husband, parents, two older brothers – Harold McGhee and Tyrone Porter, Sr. One granddaughter, Jerishia Conley, and one nephew, Charles J. Wesson, Jr.

Her surviving relatives whose lives were enriched by her presence, and who will always cherish her memory and infectious smile are: Five Brothers – Charles (Betty) Wesson, of Altheimer, AR; Ray Lynn, John (Jacqueline), Darwin (Wanda) and Kevin (Lisa) Pauley, all of Henderson, Texas; Four Sisters – Velverly Reed of Oak Park, MI, Martha Cal (Michael) and Tomechre (Michael) both of Henderson, TX, Natoshia Pauley of Tyler, TX. and a sister-in-law, Barbara Bailey of Milwaukee, WI. Twenty-Six grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren; two special devoted and dependable cousins -JoAnn McDonald of Forney, TX and Debbi (Pierpont) Laidley of Los Angeles, CA, and a host of special loving and caring nieces and nephews as well as other dear relatives and friends.

Homegoing Celebration
Sunday, July 6, 2025
2:30PM
Camden Fairview Middle School
647 Dooley Womack Dr.
Camden, AR 71701