Granger, Sara M.

Age 91, of Garland, TX died on August 4, 2015. Sara McCarter Granger was born at home in Fate, Texas on February 1, 1924. The family – Walter Aiden (John) McCarter, Bessie Alice Burks McCarter, Sara, and her brother Billy Mack McCarter moved to Garland when Sara was in the eighth grade. She attended Garland High School and met Fred Granger, another Garland High School student, while Fred was working at the drugstore. They were married, and Sara worked while Fred attended college and was a navigator for the Air Corps in the Army. Sara and Fred were very active with the Garland Jaycees and Jaycee-ettes. They loved to dance and were known for their jitterbug dancing at the Jaycee functions. Sara served on the Jaycee-ette state board for eight years and was even a candidate for state president but had to withdraw when she became pregnant with her daughter in 1956. Sue Watkins of the Garland Daily News was quoted as saying that “Sara had worked with almost every charitable organization and project in Garland”. Sara was involved with the PTA while for children were in school and was also a Girl Scout leader. The family moved to Montecito, California for three years with Fred’s job but returned to Garland where Fred started his own companies. Sara and Fred lived a happy life -experienced success in Fred’s businesses, traveled abroad, had four healthy children, and build Fred’s dream home which had an indoor swimming pool. Before Fred’s death at age 47 from Hodgkin’s disease in 1970, he told Sara not to be sorrowful when he was gone because he had surpassed every goal and aspiration that he had set for himself. Sara continued to stay busy with civic activities, serving on church boards and served two terms as a YMCA board member. She also was an officer in the Garland Federation of Women’s Clubs. In the 70’s, she was a press and publicity agent for a variety show on a Dallas television station. Sara and Fred were Life Master bridge players, and in the 80’s, after moving to Athens, Texas, Sara connected with family friend and fellow Life Master bridge player, Steve Lawrence. Sara and Steve were very active in the Athens Bridge community and made many wonderful new friendships. They played bridge across the US and Mexico, and when not partnered with Sara, Steve played professionally. While Sara ranked in the top 500 bridge players for many years, one year Steve earned the title of #1 Ranked Bridge Player in the United States! Sara was double blessed to have two such wonderful men in her life. Sara liked to keep her mind active – she was an avid reader and look forward to reading the Dallas Morning News from first page to last every Sunday. She delighted in visits from her grandchildren and was fascinated with the newer technologies such as the Internet and iPhones. In addition to reading, Sara loved watching Jeopardy and Judge Judy! She was preceded in death by her husband Fred P. Granger, Jr., and is survived by her children: Fred and wife Margaret, Dennis and wife Delma, Gayla and husband Kevin Kirk, and Gary and wife Sharon. She has 6 grandchildren: Sean, Ryan, Sara, Mikala, Maxwell, and Mitchell. Also survived by her brother, Billie Mack McCarter. Sara loved life – she was always gracious and was always the perfect hostess. She had friends of all ages, she loved deeply, and she was well loved by many. Sara’s wish was to be cremated, and the family will announce plans for a memorial service at a later date when all family members can gather again to honor Sara’s life. The family appreciates the condolences and prayers and loving words from all those who have reached out. For the many that knew Sara – she will be missed immensely.   Arrangements under the direction of: ARIA Cremation Service & Funeral Home 10116 E Northwest Highway Dallas, TX 75238 214-340-8008