Sally Carmichael

1925 - 2016

Sarah (Sally) Carmichael

Jackson

Sarah (Sally) Wakefield Carmichael, died peacefully on October 29th at Hospice Ministries. Mrs. Carmichael was born on January 14, 1925 in Jackson, Mississippi to Benton McMillin Wakefield and Adele Rhodes. A lifelong Northsider, she was dedicated to her family and improving the community.

Sally grew up in the Belhaven area and graduated from Central High School. She attended Hollins College in Virginia and graduated from the University of Georgia majoring in sociology and psychology. After returning to Jackson, she worked as a radio commentator for WSLI and WJDX for 4 years then became a fulltime homemaker. On April 5, 1947, she married Charles Ellis Carmichael at Galloway United Methodist Church. They had a long and beautiful life together and were always surrounded by friends and their loved ones. She was a devoted mother to her two children.

She was a lifelong volunteer whose contributions crossed city, state and national boundaries. Sally was dedicated to helping others and considered a leader in community volunteerism.

Sally spent her time primarily focused on two main areas of volunteer involvement. This included rehabilitation and the arts. Some of her long list of accolades include donating 17 years of service to Goodwill. Mrs. Carmichael was president of the Goodwill Industries Volunteer Services Board, served on the Goodwill Industries of Mississippi Board and was Vice President of the National Goodwill Industries Volunteer Services Board. Another important effort was her involvement with the Heart Association since her son was born with a congenital heart condition. She served in several capacities with the Hinds County Heart Association, chaired the first Art for Heart fundraiser and received a Distinguished Service Award. Later she expanded her volunteerism to include becoming a Member of the Mississippi Methodist Rehabilitation Hospital Board of Directors; former president of the Mississippi Methodist Rehabilitation Center Auxiliary; Wilson Research Foundation Board and Executive Committee. Her volunteer efforts also included serving as Board Member, secretary and president of Southern Christian Services for Children and Youth.

Sally was always a strong advocate for the arts. Her support included many leadership roles with the Symphony. Having served on the Board of Trustees for over a 28 year period, she was also President of the Foundation, President of the Jackson Symphony League, Executive Vice President of the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra Association, Executive Vice President and President of the American Symphony Orchestra League National Volunteer Council and on the Executive Board of the American Symphony Orchestra League. She continued her support of the arts by serving on the Mississippi Museum of Art Auxiliary Board, Gallery Guild President, Mississippi Friends of the Arts Executive Committee and Executive Committee for the Arts Alliance.

Other notable highlights of volunteerism included countless hours to Galloway United Methodist Church, Junior League of Jackson, Children's Museum Planning Committee, Governor's Mansion Docent program and numerous other civic, community and social efforts.

For her years of exemplary service, she received many honors including a Volunteer in Philanthropy Award from the Mississippi Chapter of the National Society of Fundraising Executives in 1995, Chi Omega Outstanding Alumni in Mississippi in 1983, Goodwill Industries of Mississippi Salute to Volunteers Award in 1986 and the Governor's Award for Excellence in the Arts in 2002. In 1996, Sally and her husband Charles were named MMA Volunteers of the Year.

Sally is survived by her daughter, Christine Sally Carmichael of Jackson; grandchildren Lauren Grussaute of Hattiesburg; Amanda Jacobs (Billy), of Nashville, and their children, Hayden and Lily Jacobs.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, Charles Ellis Carmichael Sr.; son, Charles (Mike) Ellis Carmichael, Junior; and brother, Benton M. Wakefield, Jr.

The family would like to thank Campbell Cove at St. Catherine's Village and Hospice Ministries for their love and care during the final stage of her life.

Memorials can be made to the Wilson Research Foundation, 1350 E. Woodrow Wilson Avenue, Jackson, MS 39216; MS Symphony Orchestra, 201 E. Pascagoula Street #104, Jackson, MS 39201; or Galloway United Methodist Church, 305 North Congress Street, Jackson, MS 39201.

Visitation will be Thursday, November 3, 2016 from 9:30 am until the 11:00 am memorial service at Galloway Memorial United Methodist Church.