Sarah Anderson's family says thank you

ROBERTSDALE, Ala. - Update: A message from the family of Sarah Anderson -

The family would like to thank First Baptist Church of Loxley, Robertsdale High School, and the entire community for their love and support during these difficult days.

Also, they would like to thank the Auburn University Marching Band, Dr. Rick Good and Dr. Corey Spurlin – band directors, Head Coach Gene Chizik, and Athletic Director Jay Jacobs for their presence at the service.

In honor of Sarah Darelle Anderson, a memorial fund is being established for her charity of choice. Sarah went to Haiti on a mission trip with First Baptist Church of Loxley from June 13-20, 2009. The group stayed in an orphanage in Haiti. Being an adopted child at birth, Sarah fell in love with the children at the orphanage. Sarah was determined to return to the orphanage and help them.

So, in Sarah’s honor, if anyone would like to contribute to her dream of making living conditions better, providing food, clothing, shelter, education, and music for the orphans, please donate it to First Baptist Church of Loxley – Haiti Orphanage Memorial Fund. More information is provided at the church’s website: www.fbcloxley.com
 

November 13, 2009

Late Tuesday night, Sarah Anderson and a friend were on their way back to Auburn University. The remnants of tropical storm Ida made for a wet and rainy drive. Sarah's car hydroplaned off of Interstate 85, and was then struck by a tractor-trailer truck. Sarah died, but her friend survived the accident.

Sarah was the homecoming queen and the drum major of the band her senior year at Robertsdale High School. The Robertsdale band booster club planned a candle light vigil Friday night in Sarah's honor.

Many of Sarah's friends surrounded her family as their pastor spoke. Two of Sarah's best friends also gave a message. They wrote a poem for Sarah that described the groups friendship.

One line of the poem said, "We loved each other like sisters. She was our sister."

Dozens of Sarah's fellow band members came to the vigil. Justin Butcher played the tuba under Sarah's lead. He said, "She was, come early practice a little bit, stay late practice some more. She strived to be someone you could count on. She was particular about everything. She was just all about it." Butcher said he will never forget her smile.

"She walked the halls with a bounce in her step, she was always laughing, smiling, she brightened your day just by looking at her."

Samantha Shambo was one of Sarah's friends too, that's the part she said she is going to miss the most.

"Her friendship just getting to talk to her, her smile, she was always there if I ever had a problem I could go to her."

Sarah was also a member of the Auburn University Marching Band. The band is going to leave her spot open on the field Saturday as they perform in the Auburn vs. Georgia game this weekend.

The students at Auburn University also held a vigil for Sarah on campus Thursday night.

There will be a moment of silence during the Iron Bowl in honor of Sarah.