Sara Setzer

Gaffney, SC - - Sara Dame Setzer died peacefully on May 26, 2024 at her home surrounded by friends and family, and her beloved cats.

Sara Alice Dame was born in 1943 in Dawson Springs, Kentucky. She was the daughter of Dena Reeves Dame, a teacher, and Herman Dame, a builder. Although she was an only child, Sara grew up with a large extended family of aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Sara was married to Rodney Buford Setzer in 1971. They shared 36 years together before his death in 2007.

She is survived by her granddaughter and caretaker, Delilah Rhodes, and her children Maggie and River.

Other survivors are Alice Setzer Wolff and her children, Brogan and Rodney Setzer. Diana Setzer and her children, Delilah Rhodes and Isaac Dale; and cousins, Margaret and Mary.

Sara earned a bachelor's degree from Murray State University and an MFA from Miami of Ohio University. She taught at Virginia State College, and Western College for Women before accepting a position at Limestone College in 1968. Remaining on the art faculty for 30 years, she was honored to be retired as Professor Emeritus of Art.

Sara was an avid patron of the arts. She attended exhibits, recitals, concerts, and theater productions locally, regionally, and nationally.

Her community contributions included membership in Limestone Presbyterian Church, founding member of AAUW in Gaffney, founding member in CAVA, lifetime member of CHAPS, founding member of HSCC, and member of Gaffney Historic District Committee. Sara's interest in animal welfare is legendary. She trapped literally hundreds of cats in the HSCC TNR program to rescue feral cats.

Sara continued to produce and submit artwork, and often received awards in competitive shows. She was an active member of Southern Exposure, an artists' collective who present exhibits over a wide region of the south.

Sara Dame made an impact! Acquaintances sometimes felt that she was exacting, demanding, and perfectionistic. But her friends found her to be loyal, honest, persistent, and tenacious. She lived to see those whom she had mentored become successful, in part, because of her influence.

She was unforgettable.

The family will receive friends from 3:00PM until 4:00PM on Thursday, May 30, 2024 in the Family Life at Limestone Presbyterian Church. A memorial service will immediately follow at 4:00PM in the church with Reverend Dr. Lynn Miller officiating.

In lieu of flowers friends may consider gifts to Limestone Presbyterian Church, 109 S. Limestone Street, Gaffney, SC, 29340 or Limestone University, 1115 College Drive, Gaffney, SC, 29340 or Cherokee Humane Society, P.O. Box 2223, Gaffney, SC, 29342.

The family will be at their respective homes.

An online guest register is available at www.blakelyfuneralhome.com

Blakely Funeral Home & Crematory, Gaffney, SC