Sara "Sally" Cloninger

Sara (Sally) Stroup Cloninger passed away on Sunday, April 25, 2021 with her family beside her. Sally was born in Gastonia NC on March 6, 1947, the youngest child of Robert and Clara Stroup. She was a graduate of Frank L. Ashley High School in Gastonia and Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, NC, where she was president of her sorority, Zeta Tau Alpha. She was a longtime member of Loray Baptist Church.

Sally taught 8 ^th grade English early in her career. She married Dennis Boyd Cloninger on August 8, 1970, and they had two daughters. After their children reached school-age, she worked as an assistant in special education and early elementary classrooms, primarily at Beam Elementary. Sally loved being a mom, chauffeuring to and cheering on Lisa and Laura at swim meets, tennis matches, chorus concerts and church activities. As a grandmother, she picked up her two grandsons from school every day, supported homework, and was an avid fan at their basketball and baseball games. She was also an early and faithful supporter of both the Charlotte Hornets and Carolina Panthers. She made countless meals for her family and friends and frequent church potlucks; her family's favorites were veggie pizza, pineapple casserole and hand-dipped chicken nuggets. Her sweet tea was also a staple. She was a voracious reader and loved to work word puzzles. Throughout her life, she found great joy in spending time (and shopping!) with her beloved sister Carol. Sally and Dennis celebrated their golden wedding anniversary this past August.

Predeceased by her parents and by her grandsons Adam and Michael Taylor, Sally is survived by her husband Dennis, daughters Lisa Cloninger (Kathleen Smith) and Laura Taylor (Mike) and grandson Matthew; sister Carol Ridenhour (Monte) and brother James Stroup, sisters-in-law Teena Barnes (Woody) and Gay Sprankle (Marty); nephews Brad and Chris Ridenhour (Melissa) and Jake Beam, and niece Kelly Fijalkowski (Tony), along with several great-nephews and great-nieces.

The family would like to thank caregiver Elizabeth (Sissy) Harvey and hospice nurse Marla Ivester for their compassionate support, along with the many friends and church-members who have offered love and sustenance in these difficult days.

The memorial service for Sally will be at Loray Baptist Church on Saturday, May 1, 2021 at 4PM, with family visitation prior to the service at 3PM. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Gaston County Cancer Society or Hospice of Gaston County.

Arrangements are with the South Chapel of Greene Funeral Service and Crematorium, Inc.