Sara A. McPhail

It is with great sorrow that we inform you of the passing of Ms. Sara A. McPhail.

Ms. McPhail passed away on Monday, June 30, 2025, in Manhattan, New York.

Arrangements will be announced by Davis Funeral Home, LLC of Hartsville, SC.

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”                 Psalm: 34:18

 In this deep sorrow, when the world feels quieter without Sara, know that God is nearby. He sees your tears. He holds your grief. He understands the weight of love that now feels like loss. Sara’s presence was a gift- one that touched lives with grace, warmth, and unwavering care. Though her voice has stilled, her legacy whispers in every kind memory, every gentle echo of her heart. Let your mourning be sacred, and your love unashamed. For to grieve deeply is to have loved deeply- and in that love, she lives on! 

Sara A. McPhail was born in Darlington County (South Carolina) on June 26, 1942, daughter of the late Legrand Floyd and Alice Ross Dukes. She made her transition and went home to be with the Lord on Monday, June 30, 2025, in Manhattan, New York. 

Sara received her formal education in the Darlington County Public School Systems. She was educated at St. John’s (Darlington, SC) in her primary years. She received her secondary school education at Butler High School (Hartsville, SC). During her early years, she met her high school sweetheart, Elijah McPhail. They started their life-long journey as husband and wife on April 20, 1963. Out of this union, came four children, Anthony McPhail, Delbert McPhail, Michael Miller, and the late Sandra Denese McPhail. 

After high school, Sara moved to New York to find a better life and help take care of her family. Sara was employed by 1199 SEIU until her retirement. In 1972, she joined Bethany Baptist Church where she dedicated many years of service. An advisor of the Chancelor Choir, a trustee, and several other auxiliaries were just a few of the ministries she served on. 

Sara was a beautiful person who was loved by anyone she met. She never said the word “no”. She would give the shirt off her back to anyone who needed it. Sara was a very loving and caring person who took care of everything and everyone that knew her. She will be truly missed by her family and all who knew her. 

Sara leaves to cherish her memories: her faithful and dedicated husband, Elijah McPhail; three sons: Anthony McPhail, Delbert McPhail (Stacy Hickman), and Michael Miller; eleven grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren; sisters, Elouise Abraham (NY) and Shirley Coleman (NJ); three sisters-inlaw: Rosezema Henderson (Beaufort, NC), Betty McPhail Brown and Annie McPhail, both of Hartsville SC; one brother-in-law, Ervin McPhail (Georgia McPhail) (CT); God-daughter, Sylvia Sledge (GA); and a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.