Sarah Cathryn Cawthon Messenger, 93, of Worthington, Ohio passed away at home January 5, 2022. She was born on August 26, 1928. She passed on from this life peacefully and in the care of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Sarah Cathryn was preceded in death by her parents ML Cawthon Sr and Cathryn Cawthon, husband Paul N Messenger, daughter Joan C Henderson, and sister-in-law Janelle Cawthon. She is survived by her daughter Elizabeth M Thomas (Richard), son Bruce N Messenger (Karen), and son-in-law Boyd Henderson; grandchildren Cathryn Messenger (Agus Borja), Anne Trader (David), Cassi Henderson (Jacob), Jackson Thomas, Jennifer Steinfeld (Matthew), Haley Valdez (Chris), Laurel Thomas, and Hope Geiser (Dan); seven great-grandchildren plus an eighth due in May; brother ML Cawthon Jr.

Sarah was born and raised in DeFuniak Springs, Florida where her family had been since the town was founded. She graduated from Florida State University with a BA and also pursued a MA there as well. She and Paul were married on August 26, 1951 in DeFuniak Springs and after a short stay in Columbia, SC they settled in Paul's home town of Winter Park, Florida. After college she worked for seven years as a school teacher before becoming a stay-at home mother. She spent her final years living in Worthington, Ohio with her son Bruce, his wife Karen, and their daughter Anne and her family in a four generation household.

Through the years she was an active member of John Knox Presbyterian Church, Maitland Presbyterian Church, AAUW (American Association of University Women), and a number of book clubs. Gardening was always a major passion for her and she worked hard to fill her yard with beautiful flowers. Vacationing with family at the beach brought long lasting, happy memories. In addition to her human friends and family, she cared for and enjoyed many feline companions (and some canines).

Interment will be in the Cawthon Family plot in Magnolia Cemetery, DeFuniak Springs, Florida.

Memorial contributions can be made in her name to either:

The American Association of University Women (AAUW) Winter Park Florida Branch's Valencia College Scholarship Fund. (Make check payable to Valencia College Foundation, PO Box 3028, Orlando, FL 32802. Be sure to include AAUW Scholarship # 1178) Contributions will be applied to the 2023 year, or Maitland (FL) Presbyterian Church at Maitland Presbyterian Church 341 North Orlando Ave. Maitland, Fl 32751. Or online at: https://www.maitlandpres.org/give >

A Celebration of life Service will be held at 10:00 AM, Friday, March 18, 2022 at The First Presbyterian Church; 1063 Circle Drive, DeFuniak Springs, Florida 32435 with Reverend Steve Rhodes officiating.