Sarah Frances Schmittendorf

Sarah Frances Schmittendorf, of Hartford, AL, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 16, 2026. She was 79.

Funeral service will be held at 10:00 am, Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at Searcy Funeral Home and Crematory Chapel with Pastor Tom Cliburn and Pastor Gary Vickers officiating. Burial will follow in Hartford City Cemetery with Searcy Funeral Home and Crematory directing. The family will receive friends from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm, Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at Searcy Funeral Home and Crematory.

Sarah was a retired teacher who devoted her life to her family, her faith, and caring for others. She enjoyed all the birds and flowers in her backyard. She also was a talented artist who liked to make drawings and paintings for her family. She was deeply loved and will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Sarah was born to Doyle T. Hatfield and Lillie Sampley. She was preceded in death by her parents and her siblings David Hatfield (Cheryl McDaniel), Tommy (Grace) Hatfield, Theodore “Ted” (Sharon) Hatfield, Catia (Bob) Hvarven, Doyle (Lynn) Hatfield, and Gary Hatfield.

She is survived by her beloved husband of thirteen and a half years, Jim Schmittendorf; her children, Charlie (Brenda) Skinner and Jarvis (Susie) Skinner both of Hartford, Alabama. She was also a loving stepmother to JoAnne (Ernie) Jackson of Port St. Joe, Florida, Robin (Brad) Marsh of Enterprise, Alabama, Jamie (Krissy) Schmittendorf of Enterprise, Alabama, and Danny Shoemaker (Alice) of Austin, TX. Sarah was also Grandmother to Brandon (Christen) Skinner, Matthew (Cayden) Skinner, Garrett (Ragan) Skinner, Jonathan (Katelyn) Skinner, Jesse (Chance McKee) Skinner, Dani (Mark Pasterski) Jackson, Nicki (Gavin) Williams, Mason (Casey) Marsh, Colin Marsh, Molly Marsh, Caleb (Madalyn) Schmittendorf, Faith Schmittendorf and Ashley Schmittendorf. Sarah was also blessed with 6 great-grandchildren, Braxston Skinner, Banks Skinner, Evie Skinner, Piper Skinner, Cason Schmittendorf and Meridith Skinner. She is survived by her brothers and sisters, Kenneth (Maelynn) Hatfield, Jeff (Corrine) Hatfield, Louise (Larry) Sheffield, Gail Meadows, Martha (Gary) Vickers, and Sandra Moody.

Sarah will be remembered as a wonderful, gentle, well-respected, and loving wife, grandmother and Lord loving Christian woman whose kindness and warmth touched many lives.