Sara Lane Leiden

Sara Lane Leiden, affectionately known as Momma Leiden to many, passed away on Friday, June 28th, 2024. Sara was the only daughter of Daisy and Wendell Stinchcomb Sr., born on September 13, 1939 in Augusta, Georgia. Raised in Augusta, Sara graduated from the Academy of Richmond County in 1957, and shortly thereafter joined the Federal Civil Service at Fort Gordon. 

Sara’s early passion was spending time at Clarks Hill lake with her friends, where she developed into an extraordinary water skier. During the late 1950s and early 1960s, Sara competed in numerous water-ski tournaments including the 70 mile water ski race on Clarks Hill Lake. Sara also water-skied professionally, performed trick-ski events at Lake Olmstead and later as part of the show troupe at Cypress Gardens, Florida. Sara’s affinity for the water was passed on to her husband and sons.

Sara met her future husband, Terry Leiden, while he was an Army Officer stationed at Fort Gordon, and they were married at St. Michael the Archangel Church on May 6, 1967. Shortly after marrying, the couple moved to Cleveland, Ohio, but chose to return in 1972 where they remained ever since. Together they raised three sons, Zane, Yale, and Eric who were the focus and pride of Sara.

Sara’s life was one of selflessness, service, and dedication to her friends and family. While her bid was eventually unsuccessful, she was the first woman to run for a Richmond County Commission seat. In the 1980s, Sara continued her community service by helping to restore and maintain historic buildings in downtown Augusta. Sara maintained these historic structures and served as a rental agent until 2018, when she retired at the age of 78.

Sara provided endless hours supporting activities at St. Mary’s on the Hill School, and later Aquinas High School, where her three sons attended. She soon found her niche supporting the Aquinas High School drama club where she focused on set design and costume creation. She also provided these services to the Augusta Players Club, and despite her late introduction into drama and theater, Sara twice received the Rick Bracken award for set design.

Predeceased by her parents and beloved brother (Wendell), Sara’s spirit is carried forward by her husband Terry, Zane (Cindy), Yale, Eric (Tiffany) and grandchildren Evan Hinson and Ella Grace Leiden.

A memorial Mass will be celebrated on Monday, July 8, 2024, at 11:00 A.M. at St. Mary on the Hill Catholic Church with Fr. Mark Ross as celebrant. Interment will follow in the St. Mary on the Hill Columbarium. The family will receive friends Sunday, July 7, 2024, from 4:00 until 6:00 P.M. at the funeral home.