Sarah Christian Bartholomew

Sarah Christian Bartholomew

(January 23, 1939 – April 8, 2021)

Sarah Christian Bartholomew was born in Albany, Georgia on January 23, 1939, to the late Susan Robinson and Joe Ben Christian. Sarah gave her life to Christ at an early age, and in her formative years was a devoted member of Second Bethesda Baptist Church in Albany, Georgia.   As a youth, Sarah was educated in the Dougherty County school system, and held fond memories of her involvement on the girls’ basketball team.  

After graduation from high school, Sarah met and married Oliver Bartholomew who was stationed at Turner Airforce Base in Albany, GA.   As an Air Force military wife, she traveled the world with her husband, and in 1965, they were stationed at March Air Force Base, in Riverside, CA.  After his retirement they made Riverside their home with sons, Alvin Wayne Bartholomew and Anton Erwin Bartholomew. 

Sarah converted to Catholicism and became a member of St. Catherine of Alexandria Catholic Church. She was an active Eucharistic minister, Deaf Ministry Interpreter, Stephen Ministry Team Member, and bible study participant.  During and after her time at St. Catherine, Sarah supported her husband in ministry and became involved at various churches in the Riverside and the surrounding community.  Prior to her death she was a member of Grace Bethel Missionary Baptist Church (GBMBC).

Sarah enjoyed going to school.  Her academic career included the receipt of a License in Vocational Nursing, and attendance at Albany State University, Riverside Community College, University of California Riverside Extension Studies.  Sarah worked as a Counselor for the California School for the Deaf, Riverside, where she retired after 25 years of service.  After retirement, Sarah furthered her education at Bethel Christian College where she received her Master’s Degree and Doctorate in Biblical Counseling.

Sarah thoughtfully engaged in service during her career and ministry interactions, through her smiles, care, and words of affirmation and kindness.  She will be remembered for her devotion to her Christian faith, cherished love for her husband of 61 years, and dedication to her family and longtime friends. 

Sarah was preceded in death by her husband Reverend Oliver Bartholomew, and her two sons Alvin Bartholomew and Anton Bartholomew.  She is survived by her two grandchildren Anton Bartholomew, Jr. and Morgan Bartholomew of Riverside, CA.  She leaves to cherish her memory: two Sisters Carrie Christian Scott of Macon, GA and Joan Christian, Aunt, Katie Christian Johnston of Albany, GA, Nephews - Arcelius Scott Jr., Zackery (Leslie) Scott, Michael (Victoria) Scott all of Macon, GA,  Nieces - Landy Scott, and Coretta Scott of Macon, GA. She also leaves a host of cousins, and additional 11 nieces, 3 nephews, extended family from Georgia, California, Texas, Louisiana, New York, the GBMBC Family of Riverside, CA, her God children, and countless longtime friends.   

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