Sara Frances (Worthington) Nisbet, a beacon of unconditional love and light, went to be with her Lord on Friday, August 8, 2025 surrounded by loved ones in South Haven, Michigan at the age of 93. Born in Parksville, Kentucky to Edward and Elizabeth “Bettie” Shannon Worthington on May 27, 1932 the twelfth of fourteen children. Sara lived a life grounded in her Christian faith and love. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, teacher and friend. She had a kind heart and gentle caring spirit and would help anyone in need.
Left to cherish her memories are her daughter, Kathy (Barry) French and son, Greg (Charlotte) Nisbet. She was also blessed with a bonus son, Craig (Pam) Beck. She was grandmother to eight grandchildren Brian French, Beth (Franky) Martinez, Elizabeth (Diosdado) Rodriguez, Avery (Melissa) Nisbet, Adam Nisbet, Sara (Hugo) Lanfranco, Wes (Cristina) Beck and Ben Beck. She was the proudest of her eleven great-grandchildren who adoringly called her “Gigi.” They are Vanessa, Ethan, and Valerie Rodriguez, Ava and Amelia Martinez, Ivy, Laurel and Cyrus Nisbet, Shiloh Lanfranco, Logan and Evan Beck and a host of nieces and nephews.
Sara was preceded in death by her parents, husband Carl, son Mason Edward “Rusty”,, all of her siblings and their spouses Joseph, Lilian (Leon) Lister, Bill (Irene) Worthington, James (Annabelle) Worthington, Jesse (Jessie Lee) Worthington, Eduard (Mary) Worthington, Nell (Edgar) Morgan, Ann Worthington, Calvin Worthington, John (Bertie) Worthington and Cordelia Moran. Also, a granddaughter-in-law Cameron Beck.
She was raised in Paris, Kentucky and graduated from Bourbon County High School in 1950. She went to Anderson College in Indiana where married the love of her life, Carl Nisbet. They were married 64 years when Carl passed away in 2015.Together they shared a life rooted in faith. Carl’s calling to be a minister set the tone for the majority of her life in service to others. She was the epitome of a Christian woman who served her church and community as a Sunday School teacher, supporting her husband through years of home calls, hospital visits, weddings and caring for their congregation. They moved to Juneau, Alaska in 1955 with a toddler and baby in her lap and all of their earthly belongings in the back of the car to pastor a church. In 1958 they moved to Wingate, Indiana, where Carl pastored a church and attended seminary. In 1962 they moved to Florida and lived in a prison campus where he was a chaplain. In 1965 they moved to South Haven, Michigan.
After the loss of her oldest son, Rusty, in 1966, she returned to college at Western Michigan University, where she earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree in education. Sara taught for 27 years at Central Elementary and after her retirement she and Carl enjoyed wintering in Georgia and traveling. During their married life they visited all 50 states, most of the provinces of Canada, Mexico and many countries in Europe. She enjoyed spending time with her family. Sara was a faithful member of the First Church of God in South Haven. She also volunteered with the South Haven Bronson Auxiliary for several years.
As we bid farewell to Sara Frances Worthington Nisbet, we do so with gratitude for her love, stories, generosity, and the countless moments of joy she brought into our lives. Her memory will continue to be a source of inspiration and comfort for all who had the pleasure of knowing her. She lived a life well lived.
Visitation for Sara will be held on Tuesday, August 12, 2025 from 10 a.m. until the time of her Funeral Service at 11 a.m. at Filbrandt Chapel, 1076 S. Bailey Ave, South Haven Michigan 49090. Pastor Steve Starks will officiate. Sara will be laid to rest next to her husband Carl at Lakeview Cemetery.
Donations may be made to First Church of God, 603 Green St. South Haven, Michigan, 49090. To those who choose to leave a memory or condolence please visit: www.starksfamilyfh.com Arrangements are entrusted to Filbrandt Chapel-Starks Family Funeral Homes and Cremation Services. 269-637-0333.
Posted On: Monday, August 11, 2025 9:55 AM
