Sara Newlin

Sara Lee Newlin, 60, of Decatur, died Friday, June 29 in Decatur Memorial Hospital surrounded by family and close friends. Visitation will be 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday, July 6th at Westminster Presbyterian Church with a memorial service following at 7 p.m.Memorials may be made to Macon Resources, Inc.Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.Sara was born August 6, 1957 in Decatur, the daughter of John Devero and Evelyn Jeanne Kirby. She graduated with honors from MacArthur High School in 1975, received a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Illinois in 1979, and received a master’s degree in Special Education from the University of Pittsburgh in 1985. Sara met John W. Newlin while they were both students at MacArthur High School. They attended college together and were engaged in Fairview Park in 1981. They married at Westminster Presbyterian Church on May 21, 1983. Sara had a profound love for serving and teaching children with special needs. She was a teacher’s aide at Sunnyside School for several years prior to receiving her master’s degree. She spent two years in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania working for Project S.T.A.R.R. where she assisted families in the process of adopting children with special needs. After returning to Decatur, she worked as a special education teacher for Decatur Public Schools. She taught at Sunnyside School, Harris Elementary School, and MacArthur High School. She also spent several years teaching preschool at St. Paul’s.Sara was a lifelong Girl Scout and spent several summers as a counselor and camp director at Camp Virginia Anderson. She enjoyed horseback riding and crafting. She was an animal lover who had a particular fondness for cats. She was also an avid fan of Star Trek, which she successfully passed on to all of her children.She is survived by her husband; children, Whitney (husband Matt Welch) of Oreana, Marissa, Nicholas and Nathaniel Newlin, all of Decatur; granddaughter, Bailey Welch of Oreana; and sister, Katherine McNarie of Houston, Texas. She was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Kimberly Sue. Her family wishes to extend special thanks to long-time friends, Lori Anne Hodges and Jennifer Parsano for their constant presence and support in Sara’s final days. "
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