Sarah Kay (Watkins) McConnell

White Lake

Sarah “Kay” McConnell, of White Lake, NC formerly of Cary, NC, went to her forever home Friday May 8th, 2020 after a courageous battle with cancer.

Kay was born to the late Charles and Shirley Watkins. She was raised in Cary, NC with her younger sister, Barbara Poole. She married her High School sweetheart, Carl McConnell Jr. in 1979 and was a devoted wife until the end. They were blessed with two daughters, Mandy and Ashley, and one grandson, Jonathan, her pride and joy.

Kay began her working career early in life when she owned her ceramic shop in her parents’ home during High School. She went on to work at Wachovia and Hudson Belk before she became a full time caregiver. She cared for many children in her home and became known as “KK”. She loved the kids and families as her own and made lifelong friends.

She enjoyed being creative with various crafts and helping out at Camp Clearwater Chapel. You could find her playing BINGO on the lake front on the weekends. Kay loved spending time with her family and was happiest when she was taking care of others.

Kay was an inspiration to all during her courageous battle with cancer. She never once complained once and her smile was contagious. Even with what she was facing she continued to put everyone before her own needs.

Kay is preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Shirley Watkins, her aunt Bonnie Spiess, and her sister-in law, Sara Martin, who she referred to as her cancer buddy.

She is survived by her husband, Carl McConnell Jr, Daughters; Mandy Branch (Daniel) of Fuquay-Varina and Ashley McConnell (Dustin) of White Lake, grandson; Jonathan McConnell of White Lake, sister; Barbara Poole (Mac) of Fuquay-Varina, Brother-in-law; Jeff Martin of Holly Springs, nephews; Thomas Poole (Ashley) of Fuquay-Varina, John Poole (Lauren) of Angier, Carl Martin (Megan) of McGee’s Crossroads, Evan Martin of Minneapolis, MN, great nieces and nephews; Ellison, Palmer, and Hudson, cousins, and many friends.

The family would like to express our sincerest gratitude for the care provided by Rex Cancer Center in Raleigh, Dr. Jeremiah Boles and his staff, Elizabeth, Tammy, and the entire Liberty Hospice staff and also the Camp Clearwater Staff.

A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, May 13, 2020 at 1:00 PM at Montlawn Memorial Park in Raleigh, NC.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 12, 2020 from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM at Carter Funeral Home in Garland.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Sarah Kay (Watkins) McConnell, please visit our floral store.