Dr. Sara Faison Lawhorne

On Tuesday, January 13, 2026, Dr. Sara Faison Lawhorne passed away after a valiant battle with pancreatic cancer.

Sara was born in Montgomery, AL and grew up in Evergreen and Brewton, AL. In 1967, she graduated from T.R. Miller High School. She went on to the University of Alabama, where she earned a Bachelor of Science, a Master of Arts, and a Doctorate of Education. She also fell in love with her husband, David – with Alabama football running a close second.

Sara had fond memories of the years they lived in Tuscaloosa, where she began her teaching career at Alberta Elementary School and where she made lifelong friends, including David’s roommate, her dear friend Raymond Morris. When they moved to Pensacola, Sara taught at Pine Meadow Elementary, where she worked side by side with her beloved aunt, Sara Jean McGhee, whose friendship she cherished throughout her life. She later taught in Mississippi at Northwest Rankin Elementary, Millsaps College, Bellhaven College, and Hinds Junior College.

Together, Sara and David spent many years as owners and operators of family entertainment centers in their communities, including Paved Wave (Pensacola), Wee Putt (Pensacola, FL), Putt Putt (Pensacola, FL and Jackson, MS) and The Park (Flowood, MS and Madison, AL). These businesses became more than just places to play; they were training grounds where their sons – and countless other young employees – learned that hard work, responsibility, and fun could go hand in hand.

After David’s death, Sara built a distinguished career with Education Corporation of America. She began as an Instructor and Director at Virginia College in Huntsville, AL, and went on to serve as Dean of Academics in Biloxi, MS, President in Pensacola, FL, and ultimately Executive Vice President and Chief Academic Officer at the corporate office in Birmingham, AL.

In retirement, Sara embraced the chance to travel abroad and enjoy new adventures with friends, collecting memories from every trip. She also delighted in supporting her love of fashion by working at Chico’s, where she used her eye for style to help others feel confident and beautiful. She treasured the friends she made there; she was always happiest dressed up, laughing with those around her.

Of all her accomplishments, Sara would say her greatest joy and pride were her sons, Michael and Joseph, and her grandsons, Oliver and Miles. Time with her family – whether traveling, celebrating milestones, or enjoying simple everyday moments – was what she valued most.

Sara is preceded in death by her husband, F. David Lawhorne; her parents, J. Horace and Lavada Faison; and her honorary son, Parker B. Camp.

She is survived by her sons, Michael Lawhorne and Joseph Lawhorne (Amanda); her grandsons, Oliver Lawhorne and Miles Lawhorne; her brother, James Faison (Suzanne); her aunt, Sara Jean McGhee; as well as cousins, nieces, nephews, and many dear friends.

A memorial service will be held in her honor at 10:30am Saturday, January 31, 2026, at Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel, Pensacola, FL.