Sarah D. McKay

Sarah D. McKay (January 24, 1926 – September 17, 2024) was a global traveler, philanthropist and Great Floridian whose record of community service was long and distinguished.

Early years Sarah McKay was born on January 24, 1926, in Lakeland, Polk County, Florida to Carrie and Benjamin Dukes, a hardware merchant. She was the last of six children and grew up in Lakeland during the Great Depression. Her first job in high school was working the front counter at a dry-cleaning business. She was in the class of 1944 at Lakeland High School.

Awards Stanley S. Kresge Award by the United Methodist Higher Education Foundation for Florida Southern support in 2009. Legacy Award from the Community Foundation of Greater Lakeland George Jenkins Award the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce bestows this for outstanding community contributions. In 2007 McKay was the first woman honored. Great Floridians Award presented in 2010

Personal Her family and friends were important to her, but she treated everyone with kindness and consideration. McKay was an avid reader and book club member. She enjoyed playing bridge and socializing with her friends. For her business, she relied on a Professional employer organization.