Sarah Cardwell

Sarah Lynn Cardwell was born on March 25, 1957 to Patricia and Henry Howard in Austin, Texas. Sarah had 3 siblings, Marcella, Henry Jr., and David. From an early age, Sarah was bright, beautiful and full of life. Her striking red hair and gentle blue eyes were hard not to notice and love. Sarah spent most of her younger years in Friendswood, Texas where her father worked for NASA. Sarah told me one of her favorite memories was babysitting astronauts' kids. She was a very helpful child - always helping her mother with her younger siblings. She had a servant heart that led her in life. She graduated from Danbury High School as Vice President of her Senior Class. She went on to college at Brazosport College and earned her Associates Degree.

Sarah and Vernon met in August 1987 and soon realized they were made for each other. They were the perfect pair. They married on January 30, 1988 and soon their family of 4 boys became the infamous Cardwell Crew. Life was full of action and sporting events - whether it be basketball, baseball, track, football or whatever else the boys came up with - Sarah and Vernon were always there and usually hosting a wonderful tailgate or after-game celebration. Every Sunday, church was absolutely first on the list. A life dedicated to our Lord and Savior and loving Jesus was the Cardwell way. Sarah and Vernon raised their boys to love Jesus and always keep Him first in life. Their faith carried them through many difficult situations that only 4 boys can provide.

Her servant heart and the unique opportunity to keep tabs on the boys led her to Hutto ISD where she served for 31 years before retiring. Sarah made friends that feel more like family during her time here and was the first face that most people remember seeing when they came to Hutto schools. She was warm and welcoming and took care of all the students as if they were her own. She was detailed, dedicated and one of the hardest workers around. Her energy and commitment to excellence was contagious and people loved working alongside her.

She lived a genuine life with an unwavering trust in God, a heart full of laughter, and a spark that showed up exactly when it was needed most. She radiated sunshine wherever she went. Her sweet smile and her infectious giggle warmed our hearts every time we'd get an opportunity to hear it. Her joyful spirit could brighten any room, her kindness lifted others daily, and her gentle but feisty honesty kept everyone delightfully grounded. She was the person who prayed without ceasing, celebrated wholeheartedly, and stood firm when it mattered. Whether offering encouragement, cracking a joke at just the right moment, or speaking truth with a wink, she carried herself with grace and grit. She loved Jesus and was so proud to be an American.

Sarah is survived by her true love, best friend, and constant companion, Vernon Cardwell, mother Patricia Howard, sister Marcella Raad (husband Gus), sister-in-law Stephanie Howard, brother David Howard (wife Shannon), brother-in-law Roger Owen (wife Rayeanne), sister-in-law Lisa George (husband Damon), sons and daughters-in-laws Brandon and Claudia Cardwell, Evan and Amy Cardwell, Austin and Brooklynn Cardwell and Darrell Cardwell & Charlise Ward, grandchildren, Noelani, Makaio, Quinn, Kaleo, Everly, Brody, Cora, Addison, Broughton, Brady, Savannah and Autumn and many loving and cherished nieces and nephews and countless friends that she held close to her heart. She is preceded in death by her father Henry Howard, in-laws Wayne and Kathy Cardwell, brother Henry Howard and sister in-law Susan Owen.

Granny's faith and strength through all this has been a gift. The visits from friends, family, loved ones, former coworkers, church members, and beyond have been beautiful and nothing short of God's work in our presence. His love is real and it has been felt by all of us at the most vulnerable, sad and difficult time. This has blessed us as a family and we thank all of you.

Sarah's Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, January 10 at 10:00am at Type Church, 1200 Co Rd 466, Elgin, TX 78621. Lunch reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the General Fund at Type Church in honor and celebration of Sarah’s beautiful life.