Southern Baptist pastor Mike Stone has paid tribute to his wife, Andrea, for the years she spent caring for their daughter Sarah and for the testimony she shared at the 19-year-old's funeral. Sarah Ellington Stone died at home on Nov. 3 after a lengthy illness and 12 weeks in hospice care. Her celebration of life took place Nov. 8 at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Blackshear, Georgia, where her father serves as pastor.
In a social media post after the service, Mike called Andrea's testimony "powerful and anointed" and said he wished he had spoken first so she could close the service. He also thanked those who gave her a standing ovation. During the funeral, he had acknowledged Andrea's role as Sarah's primary caregiver and praised the dignity and grace with which she cared for their daughter as she grew into a young woman.
Andrea remembered a daughter who looked for ways to share her faith even during hospital visits, speaking about Jesus with doctors and nurses. Philippians was Sarah's favorite book of the Bible. On its opening page, she had written four words that captured what she found there: "Book of contentment and joy."
Andrea also spoke about the milestones she and Mike had imagined sharing with Sarah, including the day he would walk her down the aisle. For years, she said, they had told Sarah they would take her pain if they could. At the funeral, Andrea spoke about the pain they now carry and the hope she finds in believing her daughter is with Jesus. "I will grieve, but not as one who has no hope," she said.
Known to loved ones as "Sunshine," Sarah sang at Emmanuel Baptist Church and grew up learning piano, violin and guitar. She was part of the Pierce County Class of 2026 and loved writing and studying Scripture. She also used social media to encourage others and speak about her faith. The service was preceded by a video remembering her life and music ministry.
Sarah had one personal request for those attending her funeral. She wanted them to wear pink or other bright colors because she saw the gathering as a celebration of her life with Jesus. Her obituary also directed those wishing to give in her memory to The SonShine Foundation through Emmanuel Baptist Church.
