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WELLFORD, Sarah Katherine, of Miami, Fla., passed away on Saturday, October 29, 2022, at the age of 26.
Sarah was born July 15, 1996; the daughter of Judi Karen Stuart and Vernon Stanley Wellford. Sarah was a 2014 graduate of Atlee High School. After being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes as a teenager, Sarah wanted to help those also affected with diabetes and other autoimmune diseases. That quest took her to Virginia Tech, where she earned her B.S. in Microbiology (2018) while also doing research. She interned at JDRF, the world's largest nonprofit funder of type 1 diabetes research, which allowed the opportunity to see the impact of her research directly helping others. At VT, Sarah was a proud sister of Pi Beta Phi.
Sarah's journey then led her to University of Florida's Brusko Laboratory, continuing the work toward a cure for type 1 diabetes. In August 2021, Sarah transferred to University of Miami to work on her Ph.D., under the guidance of Dr. Thomas Malek, at the Miller School of Medicine. There, she dedicated herself to continuing research on autoimmunity and diabetes. Sarah had recently started her dissertation research and made a promising discovery in a pre-clinical model of type 1 diabetes relating to a new type of immunotherapy that can limit the development of the disease.
Sarah was passionate about science and her love for animals. She adopted her cherished diabetic poodle, April, when the elderly owner could no longer attend to the dog's daily needs. She was fervent in her support of equality for women and in STEM, which works to increase the important representation of women in research. As in her life, Sarah will continue to make a difference; her organs were donated to research through the Life Alliance Recovery Agency.
Sarah was preceded in death by grandparents, Elmer Shell Stuart, Zelda Annis Stanley, Norvell Warren Wellford Jr.; and her uncle, Warren N. Wellford. She is survived by her proud, loving parents, Judi Karen Stuart and Vernon Stanley Wellford of Mechanicsville, Va.; grandmother, Dare Neel Dillman (Harry) of Ceres, Va.; aunt, Mary Penn Boitnott of Rocky Mount, Va.; uncle, Robert Edward Stuart (Tammy) of Mechanicsburg, Va.; cousins, John Robert Boitnott of Roanoke, Va., Brandon Hunter Stuart (Caroline) of Wytheville, Va., Kendall Lewis (Nichol) of Mechanicsburg, Va.; loving boyfriend, Nick Katz of Miami, Fla.; best friend, Shelbie Hopp (James) of West Palm Beach, Fla.; and many other friends Sarah touched throughout her life.
A Celebration of Life is planned for 1:30 p.m. Sunday, November 13, 2022, at Duncan Memorial Methodist Church, 201 Henry Street, Ashland, Va. 23005. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to University of Miami to: Rachel Cameau / Executive Director Development & Alumni Relations / University of Miami Leonard School of Medicine / 1501 NW 9th Ave., 2nd Floor / Miami, Florida 33136 / Please note: Autoimmunity Program Gift Fund. Online at: https://tinyurl.com/2p9ffjcw.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Judi stuart
Family
December 13, 2022
Judi stuart
Family
December 13, 2022
Judi stuart
Family
December 13, 2022
Judi stuart
Family
December 13, 2022
Judi stuart
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December 13, 2022
Judi stuart
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December 13, 2022
Judi stuart
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December 13, 2022
Judi stuart
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December 13, 2022
Mom
Family
December 4, 2022
Mom
Family
December 1, 2022
Stan
Family
November 29, 2022
Stan
Family
November 29, 2022
Stan
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November 29, 2022
Stan
Family
November 29, 2022
Stan
Family
November 29, 2022
Stan
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November 29, 2022
Stan
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Stan
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November 29, 2022
Stan
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November 29, 2022
Judi
Family
November 29, 2022
Judi
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November 29, 2022
Mom
Family
November 27, 2022
Mom
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November 27, 2022
Grandmother
Family
November 27, 2022
Grandmother
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November 27, 2022
Judi
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November 26, 2022
Judi
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Judi
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Judi
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Judi
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Judi
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Judi
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Judi
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Judi
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Judi
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November 26, 2022
John Boitnott
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Mom
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November 22, 2022
Judi and Stan - We were so very sorry to hear of your loss. Please know that are thoughts and prayers have been with you and will continue to be with you and all your family during this difficult time.
Eddie and Patty Morehead
Edward Morehead
Family
November 15, 2022
Nichole Anderson
Friend
November 14, 2022
Nichole Anderson
Friend
November 14, 2022
Nichole Anderson
Friend
November 14, 2022
Nichole Anderson
Friend
November 14, 2022
So sorry for the family's loss. Very sad to hear about this. Sincere condolences to you all during this time.
Karen Wilson (from Ashcreek).
Karen Wilson
Other
November 11, 2022
Diabetes Research Institute
November 10, 2022
Stan and Judi - Our family extends our deepest sympathies. Learning of Sarah's passing was immeasurably sad and truly heartbreaking. It was always a pleasure having Sarah around the house not to mention all the laughter, joy and energy she brought when she walked through our door. She will forever be remembered for her determination, courage, commitment, talent and heart. I will cherish all the wonderful memories.
Sandi and Hempel family
November 10, 2022
Lynn Foster
November 10, 2022
Aunt Mary and Cousin John
November 10, 2022
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