Sarah Baker Essex

Sarah Baker Essex, 63, of DeWitt, passed away Saturday, May 18, 2024. She was born April 12, 1961, in Stuttgart to Jack Walton and Meredith Cooper Essex.

Sarah graduated from DeWitt High School in 1979 and attended the University of Central Arkansas for two years before transferring to Texas Women's University (TWU) in Denton, TX. She graduated from TWU with a degree in early childhood education.

When Sarah started kindergarten, she loved her teacher Miss Jane so much, she decided then that she wanted to be a kindergarten teacher just like her! Sarah was a kindergarten and preschool teacher in the Denton, TX, area for nearly 40 years. She was a fun and caring teacher to countless students. She was always on the lookout for fun projects to help her students or to do with her students. Who else would get silkworms for a classroom activity?! Sarah's classroom pets would come home to Arkansas each summer, and they were enjoyed by her nieces and nephews. The Guinea pig, Unique, and the gerbils, Jeff and Drew, were particular favorites to play with in the summer.

In her free time, Sarah loved going to the movies, and would see almost any kind of movie, she didn't have a favorite. She was always up for an adventure and a good time, it could be an Elton John concert, a trip to the beach, or a quick trip to Target.

She had moved back home to DeWitt last August to be closer to her family.

Sarah was preceded in death by her parents Jack and Meredith Essex; an infant sister Loma Sue Essex; her niece Loma Essex; and her stepmother Mary Strain Essex.

She is survived by her brothers Stewart Essex of England, Jess Essex and Cooper Essex (Connie) both of DeWitt; her nieces and nephews; the Strain family; and a host of family and friends.

Sarah was a loving daughter, sister, and aunt, a faithful friend to many, and a fantastic teacher. She was loved and will be missed.

A memorial service was held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 22 at DeWitt Methodist Church. Memorials may be made to Rainbow Preschool, c/o DeWitt Methodist Church, 608 S. Grandview Dr., DeWitt, AR 72042. www.essexfuneralhome.com