April 7, 2021, 42, Goldsboro –
James Carroll “Jay” Sauls, Jr., joined his voice with those in the heavenly choir on Wednesday, April 7, 2021. Jay was born to the late James Carroll Sauls, Sr. and Linda Walker Sauls on February 19, 1979. Along with his Savior, Jay was greeted at the gates of heaven by his parents.
A service to celebrate Jay’s life will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 10, 2021 at the Pikeville Church with Pastor Mark Whitfield officiating. The family will greet friends following the service at the church. The family will gather for a private graveside service at Pikeville Cemetery.
Jay received his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Mount Olive with a concentration in Religion and Education and continued his studies at the University of Phoenix, earning a Master’s degree in Healthcare Administration and Education. Utilizing his skills and training, Jay served as the Senior Director of Ambulatory Operations at New York University Hospital.
With a personality larger than life and talent that could only be gifted by God, Jay utilized his strengths to empower others in his community and beyond. His love for others was displayed through his work on the Kitty Askins Hospice Advisory Board and with Habitat for Humanity.
While working as an elementary teacher at Brogden Primary School, Jay took the time to learn about each child under his care. If one of his kids had a need that Jay could fulfill, he would move mountains if necessary to eliminate the need. Each student held a special place in his heart and he maintained an attachment to each one, even after they left his classroom.
With a soaring tenor voice that could move you to tears, Jay sang with his family group, “Prayz,” in churches all over North Carolina. Bringing glory to God and offering back to God what he had been given, Jay previously served as the Minister of Music for Patetown Church of God in Goldsboro, the Music Director for the 9:00 a.m. Praise and Worship Service at St. Paul United Methodist Church in Goldsboro, and was currently attending Christ Church United Methodist while living in New York.
Having a passion for the arts and the skill to bring out the best in others, Jay worked on-stage and behind the scenes to prepare many young women for pageants. For many years, he was the co-director of the Wayne County Queen of the Fair, served on the Board for the Miss Goldsboro Scholarship Pageant, and volunteered all over the state as an emcee and entertainer for pageants and community events.
Jay is survived by his brother, Daniel Sauls; uncles and aunts, John Irwin Sauls and wife, Mardie, David Sauls and wife, Vicky, and Janet Walker; as well as numerous cousins and friends he loved very much.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Pikeville P.F.W.B. Church, P.O. Box 910, Pikeville, NC 27863 or to the Christ Church United Methodist, 524 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10065.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.seymourfuneralhome.com.
