Sarah Diana Wattles

Sarah Wattles, born September 30th 1990 and changed her clothes February 29th 2024 entering paradise as the bride of Christ. Born into the embrace of love and warmth on a memorable day at home, Sarah was welcomed into this world by praise and worship and all her family.  Her arrival as the caboose (of 5 siblings) brought immeasurable joy and a sense of completeness to her family. Her departure from this world leaves behind a profound sense of loss, yet her memory will forever be cherished by those who were touched by her pure spirit.

Despite facing the challenges of cerebral palsy, Sarah lived her life with a remarkable grace and resilience that inspired all who crossed her path. Her overwhelming positivity and infectious smile illuminated even the darkest of days, serving as a testament to her vibrant spirit.

Her first physical victory occurred at 3 days old when her life was changed by record breaking bilirubin levels. At that time, she was given a life expectancy of “3 years''. Over the course of her 33 years, she was given many diagnoses that for any other person would have been catastrophic. After a swallow study revealed that she was aspirating her food, a g-tube was placed to provide her nutrition. Due to respiratory difficulties a lifesaving tracheostomy procedure was done.  Sarah’s neuropathic transmissions were disturbed, causing a seizure disorder and spasms. She developed scoliosis. Physicians attempted to place titanium rods in her back to stabilize her spinal curve. It resulted in an infection infesting the rodes and exacerbating her scoliosis leaving her with an almost 90 degree curve. She surpassed all medical expectations on all fronts till the very last breath. Through all the surgeries, complications, diagnosis, pain…. Her joy never waivered. 

Sarah's capacity for love knew no bounds. She embraced everyone she encountered with an open heart and a genuine warmth that left a lasting impression. Sarah never saw clothes or clout; she embraced beggar to saint and showed them the love of Christ.  

The United cerebral palsy asked if Sarah could be their spokesperson at the rodeo. A man came up and knelt down and started talking to Sarah. He dropped down to his knees and kissed her hand. The family had no idea why all the lights and cameras were all over Sarah, till someone told them it was Garth Brooks. Everywhere she went people were drawn to be near her. 

A homeless person came to her mom’s flower shop and dug in the trash daily. Everyone avoided contact but her mom left food for him. One day Sarah came to the shop and the homeless man was here. Her mom tried to quickly pass him when Sarah reached out and not only grabbed his shirt but locked her grasp so he wouldn't move away from her. Mom and the man were stunned as Sarah pulled him in close to her. She didn’t care that he was dirty or unwanted, she showed him that he was loved.

Even the toughest of men were touched by her. One of Sarah’s true friends was Bernell Lewis. He enjoyed her company and would just stop by to have a conversation. Even though Sarah was non verbal he could tell what she was saying. 

When she was little she spent Sunday’s worshiping at Vine Life where she was a part of the family. They would dance with Sarah and wheel her around rejoicing in the spirit. 

On one faithful Sunday Sarah was placed between her mom and dad.  Pastor Rob did the alter call and Sarah started hitting her mom, but no one was certain if she was having a pain or what the issue was. Sarah started balling uncontrollably and signaled that she wanted to go up front. Mom asked if she wanted to give her heart to Jesus. Rob asked all the questions of salvation and Sarah nodded yes to each. The following Sunday she was baptized by Rob with a sprinkle instead of a dunk of water. She was able to give her public profession of faith.

Sarah's reunion with her beloved grandmothers, Roylene and Bea McDonald, brings solace to those left behind. Sarah is now dancing joyfully in the presence of her heavenly father.

Sarah is survived by her Mother and Father Cheryl and Donald Shine, her 3 sisters, brother, and their families; Nicolle and Josh Wareham (Jacob, Jessica, Katherine, and Andrew), Errica and Casey McCarthy (Kaya Canales, Brianna and Casey McCarthy), Jeanna and Ash Patel (Alia and Abby), and Matthew and Amani Wattles (Dustin Eason, Delila and Sarah Wattles).  Additionally, she is survived by her Grandfather Oscar McDonald.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Neuro-ICU and Acucare Hospice team for their exceptional compassion and care that they provided.

Friends and family are cordially invited to an Agape Feast to celebrate the extraordinary life of Sarah Wattles. March 23, 2024 at 10am. Services will be held at The River 970 Dell Dale St, Channelview, TX 77530. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The River’s goal of creating an impactful local mission “The River Center”. The vision of The River Center is to assist in collecting food and clothing for the homeless, pregnancy center, and counseling for those in need. https://riverfamily.breezechms.com/give/online