Sara Jean Arey Propst

Sara Jean Arey Propst, age 95, of Salisbury passed away peacefully May 11, 2025 at Novant Health Glenn A. Kiser Hospice House. She was blessed to lead a long, healthy, and happy life. Sara Jean was born January 30, 1930 in Salisbury, the daughter of the late Dera Moose Arey and Bruce Deal Arey. She was a 1948 graduate of Boyden High School and received her Bachelor’s Degree from Catawba College in 1951. Sara Jean began her teaching career at the old Spencer School from 1951-56 and then resumed teaching in 1965 at Overton Elementary School and retired from Knox Middle School in 1987. She was an active member of First United Church of Christ where she was a proud member of the Prime Timers Senior Group. In her younger years she served on the Church Council, was a member of the Dearborn-Isenberg Bible School Class, the Church Choir and she delivered Meals on Wheels for over 30 years. Sara Jean loved playing bridge and was a member of various bridge clubs over her long life. She also enjoyed walking at the mall and outside, and until recently walked at least a mile most days. Nature, especially watching birds from her kitchen table as well as seeing her daffodils, amaryllises and iris flowers growing, brought Sara Jean much pleasure. Traveling and watching the UNC Tarheels on TV were other activities she enjoyed. Preceding her in death was the love of her life, Robert Paul Propst, her husband for 67 happy years, who passed January 1, 2018. She was also preceded in death by an infant daughter, Paula Jean Propst, and her brother Javis Moose Arey. Those left to cherish her memories are her daughter Robin Propst Blackwell (Bob) of Burlington; son Robert Bruce Propst (Julian Clark) of Salisbury; sisters Elizabeth Arey Burton of Raleigh and Barbara Arey Beck (Norman) of Salisbury. Sara Jean is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation will be Thursday, May 15, 2025 from 12:30 pm to 1:45 pm in the fellowship hall at First United Church of Christ. A Memorial Service will follow at 2:00 pm in the Sanctuary conducted by the Rev. Dr. Kenneth Clapp and organist Dr. Phillip Burgess. In Lieu of flowers memorials may be made to First United Church of Christ, 207 W. Horah St., Salisbury, NC 28144. Summersett Funeral Home is serving the Propst family. Online condolences may be made at www.summersettfuneralhome.com.

Sara Jean Arey Propst

January 30, 1930 - May 11, 2025