In Loving Memory of Sarah Johnson Walden

"Can you imagine what it would be like when God whispers in your ear and says, 'Peace, be still. You can hear Me now.'"

On May 26, 2026, one of God's angels was set free at last.

Sarah Johnson Walden was born on June 14, 1951, to the late Mr. Marion Johnson, Sr. and Mrs. Geneva Quick Johnson. She was the tenth child of thirteen children and was blessed with a large and loving family.

Sarah truly loved people. No matter who they were, she had a special gift for giving—not only to those she knew, but also to those she had never met before. She never met a stranger and could strike up a conversation with anyone. Her warm spirit, caring heart, and friendly nature made her a blessing to all who crossed her path.

One of Sarah's greatest joys was showing love through her cooking and baking. She enjoyed preparing meals for family, friends, and anyone who came through her door. Many will fondly remember her delicious homemade food, especially her tasty homemade biscuits and her famous pound cake. Sharing food was one of the many ways Sarah expressed her love, and no one ever left her presence hungry.

Sarah especially loved hearing her pastor, Reverend John Mason, sing, believing that no one could sing better.

Born in Gibson, North Carolina, Sarah was baptized at an early age and became a member of Cedar Grove Baptist Church, where she faithfully served as a Sunday School teacher, sang in the choir, and was a special song leader.

Sarah received her education in Scotland County, North Carolina. She attended Pate Gardner Elementary School, continued her studies at Carver High School in Laurel Hill, and graduated from Scotland High School, class of 1971. The friendships, experiences, and lessons she gained during those years helped shape the kind, compassionate, and caring woman that so many came to know and love.

After graduation, Sarah briefly lived in Paterson, New Jersey, before making High Point, North Carolina, her home in 1972. High Point would remain her home for the rest of her life, where she built lasting friendships, cherished family relationships, and touched countless lives with her kindness.

Throughout her working years, Sarah was employed at The Blacksmith Shop for 21 years, New Breed for 5 years, and Sears Telemarketing for 5 years. She approached her work with dedication and took pride in providing for her family.

Sarah dearly loved her husband, the late Mr. Bobby Walden, who was truly the love of her life. Together they shared many treasured memories, laughter, and love. She was also the loving mother of Alfonso Tyrone Johnson (Natashi) and Robert Maurice Johnson and a proud grandmother to Xavier, Xzeria, Kaleb, and Laila Johnson. Sarah was also the stepmother to Mark Fulton, Chris Fulton, Teresa Walden, Stacy Johnson, Tina Williams. She was also blessed with beloved step-grandchildren. Each of them held a special place in her heart and brought her immeasurable joy throughout her life.

Sarah leaves to cherish her memory of her loving sisters: Marie Johnson of Charlotte, NC; Helen Staton of High Point, NC; Annie Brodie of Thomasville, NC; Shirley Rogers and Grace Taylor both of Laurinburg, NC; and her beloved brother, Roy and Linda Johnson of Wagram, NC.

She was preceded in death by her sisters, Genova McKenzie, Clara Moore, and Betty Burris; brothers, Tom Quick, Luke Johnson, and Paul Johnson.

Sarah also held a special place in her heart for her Godson, Jadarius Dockery of High Point, NC. and Denise Johnson for all her love, support and care over the years.

In addition, she leaves behind special friends Pat Little, Lulu Gregory, and Darla Johnson, along with a dear family friend, Bishop Floyd Collins. She also leaves behind many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and friends whose lives were touched by her kindness, generosity, and love.

Sarah was a faithful servant of God. She was a member of Friendship Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend J.W. Flake for many years, where she sang with the Inspirational Choir. Later, she joined her final church home, New Bethel Baptist Church in High Point, North Carolina, where she continued her walk of faith and fellowship with others.

At the close of her earthly journey, Sarah's own words beautifully reflected her faith:

"God has smiled on me and set me free. God sent His angels for me, and I was ready to go. No more troubles in this world. God appreciated me for who I was, and I am so glad He made me—not man."

As we remember Sarah's life, we celebrate her loving spirit, unwavering faith, generous heart, and the countless lives she touched through her kindness, compassion, hospitality, and friendship. Her laughter, her conversations, her homemade biscuits, pound cake, and the love she freely shared will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

"Well done, thou good and faithful servant."

Funeral service will be held Tuesday, June 2, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. at New Bethel Baptist Church, 1116 Montlieu Avenue. Entombment will follow at Carolina Biblical Gardens. The family will receive friends at the church from 12:30 p.m. until 1:00 p.m.

Final arrangements are entrusted to Phillips Funeral Service, Inc.