Sarah Margaret McCormick Dye

Sarah Margaret McCormick Dye, 77, of Surfside Beach, South Carolina, entered the presence of her Lord and Savior on June 4, 2026. Born on April 7, 1949, in Rowland, NC, Sarah lived a life marked by faith, compassion, service, and an unwavering devotion to her family. Sarah graduated from Rowland High School in Rowland, NC earned a degree in History from Pembroke State University in Pembroke, NC. She later earned two master’s degrees, as well as two specialist’s degrees, from the University of West Georgia in Carrollton, GA. She dedicated 32 years to Dillon County Public Schools in Dillon, SC and Floyd County Public Schools in Rome, Georgia as a special education teacher, where she touched countless lives through her patience, encouragement, and belief in every child's potential. A passionate advocate for literacy and educational access, Sarah worked tirelessly to ensure that all children had the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed. Her commitment to education extended far beyond the classroom and reflected her deep conviction in the worth and dignity of every person. In retirement, Sarah made her home in Surfside Beach, South Carolina, where she built a cherished community of friends who became like family. Whether through her church, her neighborhood, or simple acts of kindness, she continued to invest in the lives of others and brought warmth, friendship, and encouragement wherever she went. Sarah was a former member of 5th Avenue Baptist Church in Rome, GA and active member of First Baptist of Surfside Beach in Surfside Beach, SC, where she faithfully volunteered in numerous ministries. She also served with the Southern Baptist Relief Teams. She devoted her time to prison ministry, hospitality, and children's programs, always seeking opportunities to serve others and share God's love. Gentle in spirit and full of empathy, Sarah was known for her kindness, generosity, and her ability to make everyone feel welcomed and valued. She loved her friends and neighbors and always had food ready to share with them. She also looked out for those in need and quietly lived out her faith through acts of service. Above all else, Sarah cherished her family. Nothing brought her greater joy than spending time with her beloved grandsons, whose lives were enriched by her constant love, encouragement, and unwavering support. Sarah was preceded in death by Dillard G. Dye, Jr, her parents, Archie McCormick and Inez Bracey McCormick, , her sisters, Libb Parker and Mary Maxwell, and her nephew, Blake Parker. She is survived by her sister, Ann Shackleford of Rowland, NC; her daughters, Clelia Lewis Nixon and her husband, Eric of Myrtle Beach, SC, Sarah "Mandy" Dye Arnold and her husband, Nicholas of Roswell, GA, and Elizabeth Dye Adams and her husband, Kevin of Rydal, GA. She also leaves behind her cherished grandsons, Ryan Andrew McCormick Arnold (16), John Luke Malone Arnold (12), and Reagan Lane Nixon (5). In addition, she is survived by her beloved nieces and nephews (Calvin Parker, John Parker, Scott Parker, Joey Shackleford, Sammy Shackleford, Steve Maxwell, Teresa Miller, Jane Maxwell, and Donna Fellinger), as well as many other extended family members, dear friends, and fellow church members. Sarah's legacy of faith, service, and love will continue to live on in the countless lives she touched. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her. A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at First Baptist Church of Surfside Beach. The family is grateful for the many prayers, acts of kindness, and expressions of love received during this time. Sarah's life was a testament to grace, compassion, and faithful service, and her memory will remain a blessing to all who knew her. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, Smile Train, or St. Joseph’s Indian School in Chamberlain, South Dakota.

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Sarah Margaret McCormick Dye

April 7, 1949 - June 4, 2026