Sara Ann Caton LaFoy

Sara Ann “Sally” Caton LaFoy, 90, of Concord, passed away peacefully on April 15, 2025, at Morningside of Concord. Just days earlier, her family gathered to celebrate her 90th birthday—a joyful weekend full of love, laughter, and celebration. She was surrounded by that same love as she left this world, and for that, her family is forever grateful.

A service to celebrate Sally’s life will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at Central United Methodist Church, with Rev. Wes Judy and Rev. Tom Latimer officiating. The family will receive friends following the service in the Coltrane Memorial Room.

Born on April 6, 1935, in Cabarrus County, Sally was the daughter of the late Ruth Mae Hullender Caton and Ralph Wesley Caton. She was also preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ernest “Mose” LaFoy, and her brother, Ralph Wesley Caton, Jr.

She was a lifelong learner and excelled in school, serving as chief marshal her junior year and salutatorian her senior year at Concord High, graduating in the class of 1953. Upon graduation, she spent her next four years at Greensboro College, also graduating with honors as an English major. A dedicated educator, Sally taught with grace and purpose in public schools for 25 years, including early years in Raleigh and the majority of her career in Cabarrus County Schools. She earned a masters degree in education from UNC Charlotte, and carried that same passion for learning into her everyday life. Whether she was teaching children, nurturing her garden, participating in Bible study, or enjoying time with her many friends, Sally approached all things with care and commitment.

Sally was a devoted member of Central United Methodist Church, where she served faithfully for decades, through the bereavement committee and Chancel Choir. Her kindness and compassionate service comforted others, and her voice helped lead so many in worship.

She enjoyed a variety of activities and social groups over the years, including her beloved bridge club, book club, garden club, traveling with friends and family, working jigsaw puzzles, and walking with dear friends like Amelia Jones, her walking partner for more than a decade. Together they logged miles of conversation and laughter—once even taking a ride on the “new” city bus to Concord Mills using only change they joyfully collected on their walks!

Above all, Sally loved her family. Her happiest moments were spent with her children, grandchildren, and most recently, her great-grandson, Felix. She delighted in their visits, milestones, and loved them all fiercely. She was affectionately known as “Bubba” to all her grandchildren and many others!

Left to cherish her memory are her son, William Scott LaFoy and wife Jonnie, daughter, Leslie Griffin and husband Ken; grandchildren: Molly Murphy, Sara Doyle (Ian), George Griffin, William Scott LaFoy Jr. (Ning), and Emma LaFoy Marion (Yohan); and precious great-grandson, Felix Doyle.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Central United Methodist Church Music Ministry or Hospice & Palliative Care of Cabarrus County—two communities that meant so much to Sally and supported her journey with love and compassion.