Memorial Services for Sarah Joy Main King

Dear Friends and Family of Sarah Joy Main King, Sarah Joy Main King, age 42, was taken home to her heavenly Father on October 8, 2021. She died peacefully at Grace House of Forth Worth, from aspiration pneumonia, a complication of Friedreich’s Ataxia which is a rare, genetic, neuromuscular disease that Sarah bravely battled since adolescence. Born on February 21, 1979 in East Grand Rapids, MI, Sarah attended private Christian schools, including Fort Worth Christian High School, and graduated with honors from Texas Woman’s University in 2001 with a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics. Sarah’s beauty, joy, and radiant smile lit up every room she entered. She inspired and touched the lives of all who knew her, demonstrating faith, courage, and grace despite the challenges of the disease that gradually robbed her of the ability to walk, speak, hear, see, and swallow. Sarah’s biggest pride and accomplishment was raising her two children, Nathaniel James of Lawrenceville, GA and Cynthia Anne of Argyle, TX, instilling in them courage, perseverance, wisdom, laughter, love, and faith for their Savior, Jesus Christ. In addition to her two loving children, Sarah is survived by her sister Rachel Main of Oakland, CA, her father Raymond Main & step-mother Vicki of Argyle, TX, her husband (separated) Jerry King of GA, along with aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and devoted caregivers (esp Darcy and Norma). She was preceded in death by her mother, Cynthia Lee; her sister, Stephanie Lee, and her brother, Adam Russell. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Friedreich’s Ataxia Research Alliance and/or Grace House of Fort Worth.

There will be a Memorial Service for Sarah Joy Main King on Sunday, November 7th, 2pm (CT) at Victory in Christ Lutheran Church in Newark, TX. The service will be livestreamed on their FaceBook page.

There will be a virtual Celebration of Life for Sarah on Saturday, November 6th, 4 pm (CT). Email Rachel to receive the Zoom link.

RideAtaxia Dallas, a fundraiser for the Friedreich’s Ataxia Research Alliance, will honor Sarah on Saturday morning, November 6th in Denton, TX. Spectators, Volunteers, and Riders (6, 27, 50 mile options) are welcome. Please consider joining Team Sarah Joy, or making a donation. https://give.curefa.org/team/388163

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On October 5, Sarah Joy and her daughter, Annie, moved to TX for increased care, safety, and support.  Fleeing from an abusive and neglectful environment, they are now enveloped in a care circle of family, friends, and their faith communities.  

Grace House of Fort Worth  has welcomed Sarah into their home for skilled care and support.  Sarah Joy lives with a rare genetic disease called Friedreichs Ataxia.  Her disease has progressed, rendering her quadriplegic, hard of hearing, low vision, difficulty speaking and swallowing.  Sarah's care needs are very high. 

Grandpa Ray and Grandma Vicki are adapting to caring for a teenager.  Annie is in need of trauma counseling and therapy, hopefully through Ranch Hands Rescue (Annie dreams of becoming a vet one day!).   

Nathan, Sarah Joy's 17 year old son, has stayed behind in GA to graduate high school.  A suitable living situation for Nathan is yet to be determined.  A TX visit from Nathan over the holidays would be healing for the entire family.

Sarah Joy and her children are now surrounded with needed love, care, and support.  However, the costs that have incurred (and will continue) are insurmountable- daily expenses, skilled care for Sarah, trauma therapy for Annie, legal fees for divorce and custody, and support for Nathan.  Sarah's only income is her $650 monthly social security check.  

Please make a donation (ongoing or one time, large or small) to help offset the costs of transitioning this family to safety and healing, and their continued care and support.