HAMLET — Not only was Sept. 17 Constitution Day, but it was also Sarah Mae Page Day.
Mayors Amy Guinn of Hamlet and John Hutchinson of Rockingham both signed proclamations in honor of the Richmond County native who turned 90 on Wednesday.
Born in 1935, Page was the 10th of 12 children in the family of Luddie and Ethel DeBorah David, according to the proclamation. Her parents were farmers who “owned and cultivated” more than 60 acres of land and instilled in their children “a deep appreciation for hard work, independence and stewardship.”
Ten years later, visiting music professor C.J. Gibbs recognized her “innate musical talent and began teaching her on a homemade keyboard crafted from rubber tires and wood,” according to her family.
“He affectionately nicknamed her ‘Blossom,’ as her musical gifts bloomed daily,” her family says. “Sarah’s voice became a cherished sound in the community.”
At the age 14, she met her future husband William Burnett Page while picking berries: “William, smitten, tossed a handful of berries at her, a playful gesture that marked the beginning of a lifelong partnership rooted in love and faith.”
Page graduated with honors from Chapel Highway High School in 1953 and several years later moved to New York and earned her CNA credentials while training at King’s County Hospital. She later pursued her LPN license.
“Sarah Mae used the skills she acquired working in the medical field throughout her life in care for others with compassion and excellence,” her family said.
She married William Page in 1957 and the couple raised seven children: Andrea Mabris (deceased); Debra Marie; Kimberly Kathleen; Beverly Kaye (deceased); Carricia Margeret; Teresa Karen; and William Burnett Page Jr.
Her husband served in the U.S. Air Force and the family moved around — from Maine to Japan, to Texas, to South Dakota — before settling back in Hamlet in 1971.
Page turned to education, spending 18 years with Richmond County Schools as a certified Laubach Literacy Instructor and substitute teacher, primarily at Richmond Senior High School; while her husband became the first African American mail carrier in Rockingham, served as a postal clerk and drove a school bus.
“Together, Elder and Mother Page were unwavering champions of education, ensuring that all seven of their children graduated from high school and pursued higher learning,” says the family. “Their commitment to faith and service was equally strong.”
The couple joined Pemberton’s Temple Church of God in Christ in 1982 and served in multiple leadership roles.
“Her dedication to the Lord’s work is tireless, Mother Page is still working in the vineyard for our Lord, mentoring souls for the Kingdom with passion, integrity, and the demonstrated Agape love of Jesus Christ,” says her family.
Page was honored with a birthday celebration at her church Saturday, Sept. 13.
