Dale Farrell

Dale Anne Sapp Farrell, longtime Martinsville, VA resident, passed away peacefully in her home in Lakewood Ranch, FL on Saturday, July 1, 2023, following a 15-month long courageous battle with Stage IV cancer. Dale’s journey was conducted the same way she lived her life: with optimism, thankfulness and rarely a complaint. Dale was born in Martinsville on May 27, 1953, to Emmit Jackson “Jack” Sapp and Barbara Anne (Hudgins) Sapp. She was a 1971 graduate of Fairfax Hall in Waynesboro, VA and a 1973 graduate of Peace College in Raleigh, NC. She met the love of her life and future husband Kevin Farrell in Raleigh, NC and they were married on January 29, 1977, in Martinsville. Following their wedding they resided in Raleigh where Dale worked for the state of North Carolina while Kevin finished school. Following Kevin’s graduation they relocated to Houston, TX where she was an adjuster for St. Paul Insurance Company until the birth of their son Sean in 1984. In 1985 they moved to Traverse City, MI where Dale enjoyed being a mom and spending time with friends. In 1990 they relocated back to Martinsville, and Dale renewed her membership to First United Methodist Church where she had spent her youth as a member of the youth choirs. She enjoyed playing golf and bowling in the Thursday Go-Bo Play Girls league. She also spent time crafting ceramic pieces and could be found most Mondays at Carolyn’s Ceramics studio with a group of women whom she loved spending time with. She gifted many pieces she made to friends and relatives. Dale was an avid Yahtzee player and spent hours with friends playing. Dale also loved to travel, and she and Kevin took many trips both in the U.S. and abroad, often with family or friends from around the country. Throughout her life, Dale possessed a magnetic charm and a generous spirit that drew people to her, along with an easy nature, positive attitude, and smile that made them happy to be in her company. Dale was preceded in death by both of her parents, along with stepmother Lillie L Sapp. She is survived by her husband Kevin and son, Sean Joseph Farrell of Sarasota, FL. Also surviving are her sisters Jan Martin (Tony) of Cynthiana, KY, Dana Sapp of Stuart, VA, brother Scott Sapp of Clayton, NC, and six nephews, three nieces, and a brand new great-nephew. A Memorial Service will be held for Dale on Friday July 28, 2023, at 11:00 AM in Martinsville at the First United Methodist Church of Martinsville. A celebration of Dale’s life will start immediately afterward at Chatmoss Country Club also in Martinsville. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Dale’s name to The V Foundation, the Martinsville Henry County SPCA, or the First United Methodist Church of Martinsville.

Dale Farrell

May 27, 1953 - July 1, 2023