Sarah Claudia Hayes Novak, age 84, of Lenoir passed away Wednesday, July 15, 2026 at Amorem Hospice. She was born September 22, 1941 in Caldwell County to the late Wade Hayes and Blanche Adams Hayes. In addition to her parents she is preceded in death by one son, John Reese; three brothers, Clifford Hayes, Jackie Hayes, and Ned Hayes; three sisters, Peggy Beard, Marzetta Greer, and Nina Queen; one son-in-law, Tommy Barlow; and one brother-in-law, Steven "Piney" Clay.

Those left to cherish her memory include her husband of 47 years, Anthony Joseph Novak; one daughter, Crystal Reese; one step-son, Anthony A. Novak; two sisters, Karen Bush (Dean) and Debbie Clay; three grandchildren, Taylor Sauberan (Kenny), Nicolas Willis, and Lindsey McRary; and nine great-grandchildren, Bentley Parsons, Julian Clark, Everlee Clark, Rowyn Clark, Stella Sauberan, Bella Willis, Lena Willis, Zack Willis, and Brody McRary.

Funeral Services will be Monday, July 20, 2026 at 11:00 A.M. at Kings Creek Baptist Church with Rev. Randy Goode officiating. Interment will immediately follow at Blue Ridge Memorial Park.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 to 11:00 A.M. at the church.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Amorem Hospice, 902 Kirkwood Street NW, Lenoir, NC 28645.

Online condolences may be left at www.greer-mcelveenfuneralhome.com

Greer-McElveen Funeral Home and Crematory is assisting the Novak family.