The Lord decided to bring Virginia Orders Sauer home on Monday, May 10, 2021 after 101 inspiring years of life. Virginia was a loving and uplifting light for everybody who knew her. Although her earthly body is no longer with us, her light will continue to shine from heaven. As she once said, "I think you need to be happy to live a long time, I think I was born a happy person." Virginia spent her last day surrounded by those she loved at Caldwell Hospice and Palliative Care.

Virginia was born February 27, 1920 in Hampton, Virginia to the late James Frederick and Cleo Wall Orders. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Sauer; and one sister, Ester Orders Blount.

From the third grade, Virginia knew that she wanted to pursue a career in art. In 1943, she became the manager of the Roses store in Rutherfordton, NC at the recommendation from the manger who was leaving to fight in the war. Through hard work and determination, she was able to send herself to the Ringling School of Art and Design in Sarasota, Florida.  Following graduation, she returned to NC and designed fabrics for Valdese Weavers and freelanced for Conhal Marks Fabrics.

In 1960, Virginia moved to NYC where she met her husband, Robert Sauer, at Norman Vincent Peel's church.  They were married for 43 years and spent much of their time traveling extensively.  As an artist, Virginia was inspired by the world around her. Much of her artwork reflects the sites and scenery she observed while traveling. After losing her sight to glaucoma, Virginia remained active in the art community. She regularly attended meetings with the Brush and Palette Art Club and Piedmont Painters.

In 2014, an art scholarship was created in honor of Virginia at CCC&TI. Through this scholarship, art students are able to apply for assistance with tuition and art supplies.

Those left to cherish her memory include two sisters, Anita McFalls of Williamston, SC and Jean McFarland of the home; one niece, Kathy Brown and husband Jim of Woodstock, GA; five nephews, Fred McFarland and wife Susan of Lenoir, Bill Blount and wife Patricia of Tampa, FL, Eric McFalls and wife Linda, Barry McFalls, and Alan McFalls, all of Greeneville, SC; numerous great-nieces and nephews, Kyle and Emily McFarland, Tara, Ashley, and Dustin McFalls, Kaylan Guthrie, Paul Blount and wife Stacy, Lindsey Fullerton and husband Peter, and Andrew Brown; and her special friends, Cor and Marti Kardol of Lenoir.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 19, 2021 at 1:00 P.M. at United Presbyterian Church conducted by Rev. Leah Epps located at 915 Pennell Street, Lenoir, NC 28645.

This will be a celebration of her life.  It will be upbeat and happy.  Any tears shed must be tears of happiness, per her request.

Virginia asked that those who knew her be given the opportunity to speak as to how she influenced their life.  The family asks that anyone who wishes to speak sign up as they enter the sanctuary and be mindful each speaker will be limited to 3-5 minutes.

A reception will be held in the Christian Life Center following the service. Table decorations will feature pieces of fabrics Virginia designed, some of her many loved scarves and hats, and an assortment of her classy jewelry. Paintings by Virginia will be on display for the guests who knew and loved her to enjoy. Her talent graces many of our homes and places of business.

The family requests that anyone who has not been vaccinated, please wear a mask.  If you have been vaccinated, masks are optional. Masks will be provided as needed.

To be announced at a later date select pieces of Virginia's artwork will be available for purchase to further the Virginia O. Sauer Art Scholarship at Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute. Donations may be made at www.cccti.edu/donate , or by checks payable to the Foundation of CCC&TI indicating the Sauer Scholarship Fund, 2855 Hickory Blvd, Hudson, NC 28638.

The family would like to send out many thanks to her wonderful caregivers:  Brooke, Hailey, Kati, Katlin, Leslie, Mahala, Shannon, and Stella.

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

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