Sara Hodges Harper

Sara Hodges Harper, age 74, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 5, 2025, in Columbus, GA with her loving family by her side.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 AM, Thursday, July 10, 2025, at First Baptist Church in Columbus, GA with Dr. Jimmy Elder officiating. The family will receive friends at the conclusion of the service. A private interment will be held at Parkhill Cemetery, 4161 Macon Road, Columbus, GA 31907 according to McMullen Funeral Home and Crematory, 3874 Gentian Blvd. Columbus, GA 31907.

Sara was born on September 7, 1950, in Columbus, GA to the late Rex M. Hodges and Lyra Drane Hodges. She attended Columbus High School then transferred to the new Hardaway High School graduating in 1968 among their second graduating class. She attended college at SMU in Dallas, TX and received her bachelor’s degree in music education from Columbus State University (formerly Columbus College). Throughout her 25-year career as a music teacher with the Muscogee County School District, she mentored hundreds of students by sharing her love and passion for music. She was dearly loved by her students, faculty, friends and all those who were fortunate to cross her path.

She was a lifelong dedicated member of First Baptist Church, sang in the choir for over 60 years, a beautiful soloist in church services, weddings and funerals, taught children’s choir for many years, and participated in other activities to include: bible study groups, talent shows, volleyball, The Living Christmas Tree, Vacation Bible School, and many other musical productions. When her disability did not allow her to remain active, she continued to minister to others sharing God’s love through her card ministry. Despite struggling through a lifetime of trials and tribulations from physical disabilities to tragedy, her faith in the Lord never wavered.

Sara was the most loving, caring, compassionate, supportive, and unselfish person you could ever meet. She didn’t complain about her ailments and always put others first. She was an avid supporter of the Columbus Cottonmouths hockey team with her late husband and supported a Slovakian player for several years. Sara enjoyed shopping excessively, cooking, creating silly interactive family games and theme nights, which made many lifelong and unforgettable memories. Although for her entire life timeliness was not a strong suit, she made a grand entrance wherever she went. She also enjoyed family beach trips, swimming, and sunbathing. However, her greatest joy was spending time with her grandchildren, who named her “Mimi”.

Sara was preceded in death by her parents Rex M. Hodges and Lyra Drane Hodges; husband, Charles “Buddy” W. Harper, III; sister, Deborah Quintard; brother, Rex “Sonny” M. Hodges Jr.; and granddaughter, Alicia Michelle Trammell.

She is survived by her loving daughters, Ginger Roberts Busby and Kathryn Jean Roberts both of Columbus, GA. Grandchildren: Katie Fridley, Kylie Fridley, Sara Grace Busby, and Kelsie Fridley, all of Columbus, GA; sister-in-law, Wanda Hodges of Perry, GA; nephews, Todd Quintard (Traci) and Nicky Cash (Diana) of Columbus, GA; nephew-in-law, Michael Carrico (Jaclyn) of Warner Robins, GA; niece, Erin Jackson of Montgomery, AL; and many other relatives and friends.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to: Multiple Sclerosis Association of America, 375 Kings Hwy N, Suite B, Cherry Hill, NJ 08034 or Georgia Hospice Care, 1921 Whittlesey Road, Suite 110, Columbus, GA 31904.