Sarah Ellington Stone, 19, daughter of Pastor Mike Stone of Emmanuel Baptist Church in Blackshear, Georgia, died after a lengthy illness. Her family remembers her faith, music and inspiring testimony. Rewritten Article The family, friends and church community of Sarah Ellington Stone are mourning her death at age 19 following a lengthy battle with serious medical conditions. Sarah, the daughter of Pastor Mike Stone and Andrea Stone of Emmanuel Baptist Church in Blackshear, Georgia, died at her residence on November 3, 2026. Her death was confirmed in an official obituary published by Pearson-Dial Funeral Home and reported by Christian news outlets. Affectionately known as “Sunshine,” Sarah was remembered for her Christian faith, determination and desire to encourage others despite the challenges she experienced during years of illness. Sarah Ellington Stone’s Illness and Faith According to her family’s announcement and published reports, Sarah had faced multiple serious medical conditions over several years. She entered hospice care at her family home in August 2026 and remained there for approximately 12 weeks before her death. Her family did not identify one specific medical cause of death. Sarah became a Christian at six years old. Her faith remained central to her life, and she used her writing and social media presence to encourage others facing difficult circumstances. In an earlier account of her illness, she described finding comfort in her relationship with Jesus Christ. Education, Music and Personal Interests Sarah was a member of the Pierce County High School Class of 2026. She was described in her obituary as a gifted writer and dedicated student of the Bible. Music was another important part of her life. She enjoyed learning to play the piano, violin and guitar, and used her singing voice to serve at Emmanuel Baptist Church. Her family also remembered her involvement in sharing her faith through writing and speaking. Her life and testimony became an encouragement to people beyond her immediate family and church community. Pearson-Dial Funeral Home+1 Family and Loved Ones Sarah was the daughter of Pastor Mike Stone and Andrea Barnes Stone of Blackshear. She is survived by her sister, Michaela, and brothers, Andrew and Matthew, as well as grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends. Her family also expressed gratitude for the support of their church community and those who stood beside them throughout Sarah’s years of illness. Her lifelong best friend, Ana Claire Peacock, and caregiver Sue Page were specifically acknowledged in the funeral home obituary. Celebration of Life Service in Blackshear, Georgia The family has announced a service to celebrate Sarah’s life on Sunday, November 8, 2026, at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Blackshear. Memorial video: 2:30 p.m. Celebration of Life service: 3 p.m. Location: Emmanuel Baptist Church, Carter Avenue, Blackshear, Georgia. Officiant: Pastor Mike Stone. Family tribute: Andrea Stone will share a tribute to her daughter. Interment is planned at Guthrie Cemetery in Nashville, Georgia. The family has also requested that those attending wear pink or other bright, happy colors in keeping with Sarah’s wishes. In place of flowers, the family has invited memorial contributions to the SonShine Foundation through Emmanuel Baptist Church. Remembering Sarah Ellington Stone Sarah’s life is being remembered through her faith, music, writing and the encouragement she offered others. Although her years were marked by serious health challenges, her family’s tribute emphasizes the hope and strength she found through her Christian beliefs. Our heartfelt condolences go to Pastor Mike Stone, Andrea Stone, Sarah’s siblings, extended family, friends and the Emmanuel Baptist Church community. May they find comfort in their memories and strength in the support surrounding them. Key Details Detail Information Full name Sarah Ellington Stone Age 19 Born September 3, 2007 Hometown Blackshear, Georgia Date of death November 3, 2026 Parents Mike and Andrea Stone Education Pierce County High School, Class of 2026 Known for Faith, writing and music ministry Celebration of Life November 8, 2026 Funeral home Pearson-Dial Funeral Home Disclaimer The death, age, family relationships, illness history and service arrangements are supported by the Pearson-Dial Funeral Home obituary and published reporting. Although Sarah’s family described her prolonged medical challenges, a specific medical cause of death has not been publicly identified. Her passing should not be attributed to one particular diagnosis without further confirmation. Post navigation Montreal Power Outage Today: Hydro-Québec Reports Localized Electricity Interruptions Across the Region Heather M. Simard Obituary: Thorndike Community Remembers 37-Year-Old Mother After Unexpected Death