Sarah Audrey Voelker

Sarah Audrey Voelker passed away peacefully of cancer on April 18, 2026 surrounded by her loving family and friends.

Visitation: 5:00 p.m. with Remarks at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday May 5, 2026 at Thompson Harveson & Cole Funeral Home, 4350 River Oaks Blvd., Fort Worth, TX 76114. 

Mass of Christian Burial: 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 6, 2026 at Holy Family Catholic Church, 6150 Pershing Avenue, Fort Worth, TX 76107. 

Private Interment.

Memorials: In lieu of flowers, Sarah’s memory may be honored with a gift to Community Healthcare of Texas, 6100 Western Place, #105, Fort Worth, Texas 76107 or a charity of choice.

Sarah Audrey Voelker was born July 26, 1974, in Memphis, Tennessee to Sarah Mary Ray and Wilson Frederick Voelker, Jr, only daughter and big sister to her brothers, Wilson F. Voelker III and Richard Paul “Fritz” Voelker. In 1982, Sarah moved to Fort Worth, Texas where she attended North Hi Mount Elementary, Stripling Middle School, and Trinity Valley School. Sarah was recognized for her writing at TVS, was an avid reader and possessed a deep knowledge about an impressive number of subjects. She had the lead role (always the lead role!) in several theatre productions at TVS and Hip Pocket Theatre. Sarah moved back to Memphis to attend Memphis College of Art where she received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Painting in 1998.

Sarah’s passion for the arts led her to New York where she served as Registrar for a large private collection of art. During this time, she developed skills in accounting, nonprofit administration and management. After a few years, Sarah made her way back to Fort Worth to be near her mother, brothers and extended Ray Family, teaching 6th grade art and science at William James Middle School from 2003-2012. When presented with the opportunity to join the “Dream Team” as an original staff member at the new Young Men’s Leadership Academy, Sarah rose to the challenge and it became the highlight of her teaching career. She taught 8th through 12th grade Biology, served as Science Department Chair, Student Council Faculty Advisor, and held numerous other positions. In 2017-2018, Sarah was recognized as the Outstanding Teacher of the Year for YMLA in FWISD. In 2018, after an exceptional 15 years in education, Sarah transitioned to a successful new career with DCMC Partners as a Resiliency Specialist, helping communities prepare for and recover from natural disasters, most recently Puerto Rico.

As accomplished as she was professionally, her greatest strength was her ability to develop deep personal relationships with each member of her large extended family and her close friends. Sarah truly had the gift of bringing beauty and magic to every aspect of her life and to every soul she touched through her paintings, her home, elaborate Christmas trees, knitting striking and comforting gifts, even her dog’s haircuts. Sarah, with her bright red hair, beaming smile, and not so quiet voice, always brought whimsy and fun to the party! She was surely the #1 fan of Robert Smith and The Cure, loved the Beastie Boys and made it her mission to introduce her younger cousins to Nightmare Before Christmas when she babysat. They learned to color “properly” and can still sing the Charlotte Song that she taught her little Shih Tzu to “sing” with her.

Sarah adored her brothers and always considered herself the Boss of Them. While she was willing to do anything for them, she had no problem telling them what to do and how to do it the right way. When Wilson married Brittney, Sarah was delighted to have a sister, and they formed a close loving bond. Although she often referred to herself as Sarah, Princess Audrey, of the People, her favorite name was Auntie Sarah, given to her by her beloved niece and goddaughter, Lorelai. She loved Auntie Sarah Days spent playing games, doing artwork, helping with homework, going on shopping trips for fabulous, girlie things, and just making memories with Lorelai.

Sarah’s faith in God and the power of prayer was a great strength for her during her illness, and her family takes comfort in knowing that she is now at peace. Heaven is a lot more colorful and fun now that Sarah has her wings.

Preceded in death by her parents and uncle, John Garland, Sarah is survived by her brothers Wilson F. Voelker III and wife, Brittney, and Fritz Voelker; niece Lorelai Joy Voelker; aunts and uncles Paul Ray, Jr. and wife Elizabeth, Dr. Peter Ray and wife Sherry, Anne Ray Abshire (godmother) and husband Danny, Breck Ray and wife Shannon, Beckie Ray Geren and husband Pete, Harriette Ray Weissenborn and husband Charlie, Christina Ray Garland, Mary Fitzgerald Ray, Toni Ray Young and husband Keith; 19 first cousins, 26 second cousins including goddaughters Hardin and Emerson Freberg, dearest friends Kelly and Corey George, Bryan Thornton, and Amanda Townsend Smith, her two Shih Tzu’s Frederick Francis and Beauregard Jackson Pickett Burnside (she loved Auntie Mame) and kitty, Cordelia Chase.

When asked what she wanted her gravestone to say, Sarah replied “Eaten by Lions”.