https://my.gather.app/remember/sadie-t-mclaughlin

Click here to view funeral program for Sadie Lavinia Thurston McLaughlin.

Sadie Lavinia Thurston McLaughlin of Louisa, Virginia departed this life on Sunday, May 18, 2025, at her daughter's residence. She was born April 10, 1935 to Christian parents, Clayton W. and Winifred V. Thurston, and was the youngest of six girls. Sadie was preceded in death by her parents and her five sisters, Maryetta, Marguerite, Emma, Dorothy, and Frances.

Sadie joined Wayland Baptist Church at an early age and was an active member for over 70 years until her health began to fail. When the church was rebuilt in 1974, she, along with several other women church members were responsible for helping build and erect several of the internal church walls. Sadie also built the cabinets that are still being utilized in the church's fellowship hall. One of Sadie's first offices at the church was that of Deaconess, but her service did not stop there. Sadie's service at Wayland has also included her roles as Treasurer, program coordinator, decorator, usher, First Lady, choir member, Sunday school teacher, kitchen aide and clerk. She also assisted in cleaning the facility whenever needed and regularly provided financial support through tithes and offerings.

Sadie graduated from Louisa Training School (LTS) and was Valedictorian of her class.  From LTS she went on to attend Virginia State College (now Virginia State University, aka Virginia State) and was graduated with a BS Degree in home economics education in 1956. While at Virginia State, she became a member of the AKA Sorority, which pricked her heart for service. She later went back to college and graduated from the University of Virginia (UVA) with a MA Degree in guidance and counseling in 1968.

Upon her graduation from Virginia State, Sadie returned to her hometown of Louisa and began her career as a teacher at A.G. Richardson High School. There she taught Home Economics and other subjects for 20 years. After receiving her graduate degree from UVA Sadie moved from teaching to counseling and was a guidance counselor for 14 years at Louisa County High School. Sadie also served as an adult education teacher of basic sewing and tailoring and continued to serve as a substitute teacher at the high school for nine years after her retirement from the Louisa County School System in 1990.

Even as Sadie served in the school system, and continuing after her retirement, Sadie was serving in the community at large. She worked as co-coordinator of the Alliance of Black Churches health Project, was a member of the Oakland/Ellisville Homemakers Club, life member of the NAACP, she was a member of the LTS and VSU Alumni and volunteered at the Betty Queen Adult Center where she taught skills such as knitting and basket weaving. Sadie was a member of the Christian Fellowship Union (formerly known as the Ministers and Deacons Union) from its inception and served as clerk for 17 years.

Sadie enjoyed attending church, shopping, sewing, knitting, crocheting, flower gardening, woodworking, baking and sharing her famous fruit cakes, and sweet potato pies. She was a devoted caretaker of her mother, her mother-in-law and several of her sisters prior to their passing. She enjoyed family, home, and friends. Sadie once said, "In life we must learn to see, enjoy and be thankful for all the blessings that come our way. Realize that the sun will not shine on us always for there will be days of sorrow and sadness. Possessions are good but perishable; excess is vanity. Respect everyone and hold no grudges. Know that salvation is through faith in Jesus Christ who protects and directs us. Trust Him, make wise choices and life will be pleasant." This was her positive outlook on life. It contributed to her joy of serving others. She was an incredibly special woman of God who will truly be missed by all who knew her. She touched lives far and near; teaching by example, leaving a legacy that lives on through the lives that she touched – a legacy worth celebrating.

Sadie was preceded in death by her late husband of 60 years, Dr. George W. McLaughlin. She leaves to cherish her memory, her daughter, Avis M. Brown; two grandchildren, April (Micah) Lee, and Kevin (Tyesha) Anderson; two great-grandsons, Little Micah Lee and Little Kaleb Anderson and one great granddaughter, little Amaya Lee. She also leaves an especially caring and devoted nephew, Dennis Lewis of Louisa; a gracious niece, Sylvia Allen of Maryland; a bonus son, Tommie Mason of Louisa and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.