Sara Eubanks

Sara M. Eubanks was born Sara Maxine Sanders, August 20, 1925,
in Parsons, Kansas. Sara was the only child of the union of Florence
and Bert Sanders, and the youngest of her six half brothers and sisters.
Sara grew up helping to manage the family farm in Erie, Kansas. She
learned compassion and how to manage finances. Her father was the
“Wheat King of Kansas” in the Great Depression, offering housing to
neighbors who’d lost their homes. These life lessons were ingrained in
Sara.
At an early age, Sara developed a passion for reading and education.
Her mother, Florence taught Sara to love the arts. Sara played violin,
wind instruments, and became an accomplished pianist. She lettered in
marching band in high school.
She yearned for life in the “big city” and after graduation, followed
her half sister, Cecilene to Wichita, home of Cessna, Beech and
Boeing. There she became a “Rosie the Riveter” building B-52’s to
support the troops during World War II.
A young Army sergeant, Roscoe Eubanks returned from the war
and met Sara, who was on a date with another young man. Roscoe later laughed and recalled he “waited out the other guy” that evening. Nine
months later, Roscoe and Sara were married, October 20, 1946.
Roscoe and Sara were active in St. Paul A.M.E. Church, the Eubanks
family church home. The couple sang together in the church choir,
each ultimately serving as church officers. Sara was the President of
the Senior Choir, and later Trustee and Steward.
After 11 years of marriage, Sara and Roscoe gave birth to one child,
their daughter, Dayna. Devoted, protective and practical parents, Sara
especially was determined to expose her daughter to as many enlightening
experiences as possible. Sara shared her passion for reading. There
were regular trips to the library, museums, the opera, symphony and
ballet. Sara assured Dayna took dance, voice and piano lessons. There
were also horseback, tennis and swimming lessons. Sara instilled in her
daughter aspiration for excellence in all things. The family has enjoyed
their travels across the U.S., Canada and Mexico to broaden Dayna’s
horizons, and their own.
Meanwhile, Sara continued her own education, and attended Wichita
State University. She then joined IBM as a secretary, where she
remained for 25 years.
Always leaders, Sara and Roscoe were very active in the community,
serving as members and officers in a number of civic and social
organizations. They also engaged in civil rights challenges. Sara was a
founder of the Wichita Urban League, for which she was honored for
her “bravery and leadership” at the Leagues’ 2004 50th Anniversary
Celebration.
Like her husband, Sara was the go to” and “rock” for her family,
managing the estate and care for her siblings and extended family. Sara
was known for her assertiveness, strength, courage, resilience, faith,
integrity and attention to detail.
The couple was proud to design their contemporary dream home,
where they loved to entertain. The house won awards for their lifelong
friend, Architect Charles McAfee.
With her corporate experience, Sara was determined to increase the
exposure of minority students to corporate careers. As an officer in
Jack and Jill, Sara launched the first Minority Career Day, inviting
professionals of color to inspire young students. Sara also mentored
and guided a number of African Americans through the challenges of
corporate life that she learned and observed. She was always supportive,
encouraging, and committed to challenging others to push
through fear, do and be their best.
It was Sara who inspired Dayna to enter the field of broadcasting.
Sara advised Dayna to combine her love of literature, history, reading,
current events and theatre to launch what became a successful 30 year
career as a television news anchor and reporter.
Following retirement, Sara and Roscoe moved to Detroit, Michigan
to join their daughter and newborn grandson, “Jay” James Stinson, III.
They became completely devoted to Jay’s success. They attended and
helped Jay prepare for every tee-ball, basketball and soccer game. Sun,
rain, sleet or snow, they were at Jay’s side. They were also there for
every play, concert, alpine downhill ski race, golf practice and tournament,
always assuring that Jay had loving support and the tools he
needed to succeed. Meanwhile, Sara and Roscoe again became active in the church as
members and officers of Bethel A.M.E. Church in Detroit, and later
Quinn Chapel and Allen Temple A.M.E. Churches in Cincinnati.
With each move with their daughter and grandson, it was always first
on their agenda to find their home, an A.M.E. church home.
Sara called her husband of almost 60 years her “best friend.” When
Roscoe passed away November 28, 2005, she lost part of her heart and
drive. She began to succumb to health challenges. Still, she continued
to support and guide her grandson. While she was “no nonsense”, she
and Jay were playful, mischievous and shared great respect and affection
for one another. She was determined to witness his graduation
from the University of Michigan, and was thrilled with his continuing
academic and professional successes.
On Saturday, November 30th, eight years to the day of her
husband’s funeral, the Holy Father called Sara home. Her last words
to her daughter and grandson — “I love you so much.”
We are eternally grateful for the incredible blessing of having Sara
Eubanks as a mother and grandmother. We will carry her amazing,
positive spirit with us as we face each of life’s challenges and wonderful
adventures.