Sarah Elizabeth McLaney

Sarah Elizabeth "Betty" Barber McLaney, age 89, passed away on January 27, 2016. She was born March 14,1926 in Carrollton, GA to Ernest L. Barber, a Presbyterian minister, and his wife Louise D. Barber. Betty was a graduate of Queens College in Charlotte, NC. She spent 30 years as a teacher and later as Director at Myers Park Presbyterian Church Weekday School. Following her retirement, she served as the Interim Director of Trinity Presbyterian Weekday School. A member of Trinity Presbyterian, she served as an Elder, choir member and Sunday School teacher. Betty was especially passionate about early childhood Christian education and was the author of curriculum adopted by the Charlotte Presbytery and used throughout other Presbyteries in the United States. Betty was also gifted in the arts. In addition to her time singing with area choirs, she enjoyed painting watercolors, sculpting and woodcarving. Betty was well respected throughout the faith community and was awarded the Charlotte Presbytery Outstanding Older Adult Award in 2006. She loved to discuss theology and dogma, counting theologian Frederick Buechner as a personal friend. She loved Trinity Presbyterian Church, it"s congregation and mission. Many hours were spent leading study groups, developing programs for retreats and writing plays. She composed a hymn commemorating the church"s 40th anniversary which is included in the church hymnal and is still sung by the congregation. Betty is survived by her children, Joseph W. McLaney, III and wife Kandi, Ernest T. McLaney and wife Debbie, Margaret L. "Peggy" McLaney and husband Geoff Cox, and Mary Catherine McLaney-Snyder and husband Philip. Six grandchildren, Joseph W. McLaney IV, Melissa M. Jackson and husband Tom, Christopher S. McLaney and fianc"e Shayla Harris, Sarah N. Snyder and fianc" Justin Myers, Joshua A. Snyder, and DeAnn McLaney-Cox. She is also survived by three great grandchildren, Brielle E. McLaney, Ben G. Jackson and Owen M. Jackson. She was predeceased by a daughter, Sarah Elizabeth "Betsy" McLaney. Services will be held on Saturday, January 30, 2016 at 2:00pm at Trinity Presbyterian Church, 3115 Providence Road, Charlotte, NC. The family will receive friends in the parlor immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Trinity Presbyterian Church or Trinity Presbyterian Weekday School, 3115 Providence Road, Charlotte, NC 28211. Cremation arrangements by Tribute Cremation Society. 1/30/2016 02:00 PM Memorial Trinity Presbyterian Church 3115 Providence Road Charlotte NC 28211