Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6
Mrs. Sarah Saylor Bates, age 59, Kingsport, passed away Saturday, August 29, 2026, at Holston Valley Hospital.
Mrs. Bates was born November 27, 1966, in Johnson City, Tennessee, to the late John Dosser Saylor, Jr. & Phyllis Lee Scott Saylor.
She was a member of Trinity Baptist Church, where she was former Children’s Director.
Mrs. Bates was a Pre-School Teacher at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Kingsport. She was a former Children’s Director and Teacher at Little Bo Peep Learning Center.
Survivors include her husband, Michael Bates, Kingsport; three sons, Isaac Bates (Whitney) Chicago, Illinois, Israel Bates and Ian Bates both of Kingsport; sister, Johnnie Sue Hawley (Craig) Jonesborough; brother, John Saylor III (Earlene Hopkins), Jonesborough; nieces and nephew, Amanda Bates (Ricky Shelton), Paige Bates, Gabe Hawley (Britinee), Isabel Hawley-Lopez (JonMichael), Jack Saylor and Benjamin Saylor; great nephews and nieces, Zaiden Page, Zara Page, Weston Bates, Luka Hawley; great-great niece, Willow Page.
Celebration of Life services will be conducted 6:00 PM, Friday, September 4, 2026, at Trinity Baptist Church with Dr. Mark Harrod officiating. The family will receive friends from 4:00-6:00 PM Friday prior to the service.
I went to school with Sarah since we were in Ms McCall’s pre-kindergarten class. Sarah made the world a brighter place even when we were kids. Prayers for Michael and the kids, Sarah was a gift to everyone, I’m so sad she’s gone.
09/05/2026
Anna English Hurley
I was so sad to hear of Sarah’s passing. She was a wonderful example to me of how to be a strong, beautiful, fun wife to a youth minister, supporting him in his pursuits while serving the Lord in her own capacity true to His calling for her. I am so thankful for her life and influence. Michael, you all are in my heart and prayers.
09/04/2026
Jaime Stoots Hurley
Love and Prayers to all the family and friends of Sara. Loved working with her at Trinity in the Children’s program.
09/01/2026
Lenny
One of things I loved so much about Sarah, she always loved others loved kids She had such a personality that always showed her love for others from school and others who knew her.
09/01/2026
Sherry Wampler
Sarah was a beautiful person. So smart, caring, and funny. It was my pleasure and privilege to work with her at JoAnn. Always the best attitude and wit that made even the worst days fun. I am so saddened by the news that she is no longer with us. But I know she is shining bright and having fun playing games in heaven. Loved her laughter and giggles, her pranks kept us on our toes. Sarah, you are so loved and so missed. I will see you later.
09/01/2026
Debbie Collins
So very sorry for your loss. Sarah was a beautiful soul inside and out.
09/01/2026
Lisa Quiggle
Sarah was a beautiful lady inside and out. We had lots of talks about life and our Christian faith. She was a true friend. I miss you Sarah.
I will see you again.
Michael, you and the family are in my thoughts and prayers.
08/31/2026
Anne Hughes Broughton
Sarah, was a wonderful lady. She had a heart of gold, it was a joy to have her as a friend, when I was going a ruff time in the loss of my youngest son Dakota Sarah took wonderful care of my oldest son Mackenzie. Prayers for Michael and family.
08/31/2026
Larry and Ruth Miller
We are very sorry for your loss.we are praying for your family as you walk through this grief.
08/31/2026
Paul and Debbie Masters
Dear Family, We are so sorry for your loss. Our son Andrew was one of the first enrollees at Little Bo Peep. He was also in your wedding at Jonesborough Presbyterian Church. Our youngest son Landon attended preschool there. Our families have been friends many years. We will remember you in our prayers,
08/31/2026
Penny Greer Strickland
I am so sorry for your family's loss. Sarah was the kindest person on earth. I know she is with the Lord and we'll all see her again. Keeping Michael and her children and family in my prayers. May God give you all His peace that surpasses all understanding.
08/31/2026
Pam Mosley
I had the privilege to work alongside Sarah in an outreach program at Trinity, “Daughter’s of The King”, 20+ years ago. While working together I saw and experienced her love of children, her gentle nature, her gift for teaching, her light from God, her compassion, and her deep love for her family. I pray you will find comfort in knowing how she touched so many lives. She definitely had a positive impact on mine. You are in my prayers as you navigate this difficult time.
08/30/2026
Terry Davis
Sorry to hear about Sarah's passing I went to school with her pretty much all through my youth she was always a nice person later in my life she took care of my 2 girls at little bo peep they always thought she was nice .
08/30/2026
Daryl & Sandra Rowe
We are so very sorry to hear this sad news. Remembering Mike & Sarah while in high school with Darrin & Eric. They were quite a team. So young to leave us. Prayers for peace and comfort and understanding. Sending love your way.
