Sarah Medford

Iron Duff Community, Waynesville, NC - Sarah Jeanne Shields Medford, 53, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, October 14, 2022, at her residence.

A native of Morganton, NC, she was a daughter of the late William Donald and Betty Mull Shields.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her father-in-law, Frank Medford; and brother-in-law, Stephen Bell.  Sarah attended Western Carolina University, where she studied Computer Information Systems. She was co-owner of Medford Dairy Farm.

Sarah is survived by her husband of 27 years, Charles Frank Medford; two sons, Halston and Cash Medford, both of Waynesville; sister, Lisa Shields Harris (Jerry), of Morganton; mother-in-law, Peggy Medford of Waynesville; two sisters-in-law, Dr. Marla Medford Bell, of Kennesaw, GA and Penni Medford Breivik (Kenneth), of Columbia, SC; nephews Kyle Barrier of Morganton, Luke Breivik of Lexington, SC and Matthew Breivik of Columbia, SC; nieces Bethany Bell Pearson (Matthew) of Woodstock, GA and Kaitlyn Harris of Morganton; three special friends, Lorri Hubbard Smith, Pattie Johnson Hollinger and Jenny Wood; and many others too numerous to name.

Sarah was a loving and devoted wife and mother.  She especially loved kids, not just her own, but all kids.  She formerly served as an officer in the Riverbend Parent Teacher Association for many years and was a former Haywood County 4H leader.  Sarah was very passionate about teaching kids the value of agriculture and proudly gave very informative tours of the family farm.

Sarah was a light to her family and everyone that knew her.  She was selfless and attentive, and her sincere interest in everything about you made you feel like you were the most important person in the world.  Her beautiful smile and laugh would light any room.

Sarah voluntarily was the primary caregiver for Charlie’s mother, Peggy, whom she fondly referred to as “Mom” and never once complained about all the responsibilities she assumed.  Her boys were the light of her life, and she was so proud of them and beamed any time she spoke of them.

Sarah was a selfless and caring human being and did not want the spotlight on herself.  She did not want a public service.  To honor her wishes, the family will not be having a funeral service.  The Medford family is very thankful for each visit, meal, card, call and text already received.  Sarah’s impact is evident in the outpouring of love the family has received.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to ALS Center-Carolina’s Medical Center, PO Box 32861, Charlotte, NC 28232 or American Heart Association, 4217 Park Place Court, Glen Allen, VA 23060-9979.

The care of Mrs. Medford has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home of Waynesville.