Sara Rosser

The family of Sara Rosser will celebrate her life of 68 years at 2 PM on Friday, January 22, 2021, at Monterey Church of Christ in Lubbock, Texas, The service will be officiated by Barry Stephens and Terry Groves. She passed away on Wednesday, January 13, 2021. In support of the health of everyone, face coverings are mandatory while attending the service. You are encouraged to sign the virtual guestbook and share memories and expressions of sympathy on this page.On February 19, 1952, Sara was born to O. T. “Skipper” Shipp, Jr. and Bettye Louise McKinzie Shipp in Odessa, Texas.Some people go through years of chasing dreams and trying to find happiness, not certain what their purpose is in life. Sara knew her purpose without a doubt. She was here to bless everyone she ever met by showing kindness and love. She also knew she existed to be the best wife, mother, and “MawMaw” imaginable.Sara was married to the love of her life, Johnny Rosser. They were best friends, enjoyed travel, working together, outdoor activities, hanging out with grandkids, and hunting.As a young girl, she was poised, competitive in athletics, extremely social and well-liked by friends, hard-working, self-assured, and an excellent student. Sara became a Christian in her youth and followed Jesus faithfully. She spent time in missions, living in Switzerland for 2 years during her college years. These basic attributes of her youth spring boarded her into the development of deep, rich qualities of her admirable and impactful adult life.One of her many gifts to the world was to spread joy, whether to a close friend or family member or to the stranger at the grocery store. By the time Sara’s groceries were rung into the cash register, she knew the names of the grocer’s family members, frequently adding prayer requests she discovered in conversation to her prayer list.Sara had a nurturing spirit that made everyone feel loved when they were with her. Her motherly nature was quick to give instructions and life directions that overflowed with compassion and affection. She cut to the chase on right and wrong with plain words, standing firm on matters of life and faith. She was bold and confident when it was necessary to tell how the cow ate the cabbage.Her hugs and kisses were medicinal; they could heal a wound or heart, at least momentarily. She was a boys’ mom to two sons but was a second mom to many who called her Momma Sara. Her back scratches were the best.Sara was light-hearted, loved to laugh, flirt, and joke. Her demeanor was cheerful, uplifting, and encouraging. She was present in her moments and constantly assessed her environment to initiate assistance in energy and service. She could mop a floor, set a table, paint a room, or whatever in half the time most of us could complete the preparation time to start the same task. Sara was authentic. She loved unconditionally, said she was sorry, forgave and forgot, tried to maintain balance, and sought to grow as an individual every day.She was generous and hospitable with her gift of amazing cooking and baking. She delighted in bringing warm soup or baked-from-scratch cookies to her loved ones when ill or simply to brighten their day. She was quick to sign up for food lists at church or volunteer events to feed or serve those she would most likely never meet. Sara volunteered with Lubbock Youth Leadership for economically challenged youth for more than 20 years at events and activities, snack deliveries, and camps. She formed meaningful relationships with families of the students she served. She was involved with women’s ministry at Monterey Church and was a constant volunteer at LISD schools over the years.Sara loved her family! They were the center of her world, second only to her love for God and faith. She seriously dedicated herself to her roles as a wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, and grandmother and loved so fiercely.Sara filled our hearts with love, taught us all to live life with God by our side, to live with faith and not fear. She illustrated to us that happiness comes from blessing others and by living a life with Christ. She is already missed, but we will continue to live life to the fullest as she taught us to do.Sara’s survivors include her devoted husband, John Rosser; beloved 93-year-old mother, Bettye Shipp; two admired sons, Allen (Kim) Jolly, and Chris (Tarrah) Jolly; eight adored grandchildren, Cooper, Cade, Caitlyn, Abby, Ally, Emma, Skyla, and Summit; and a cherished sister, Martha (Terry) Groves.She was preceded in death by her father, O.T. “Skipper” Shipp, Jr.; two sisters, Sandy Thomas and Paula Shipp; and two brothers, Buddy and Stephen Shipp, all of whom she greatly loved and has now joined eternally.