Sarah Margaret Stanley (92 yrs), the last living child of John Lee Stanley and Callie Viola Stanley (Spain), peacefully passed away on February 3, 2025. Sarah, known as Aunt Sarah or “Toot” and “Franma” to her niece Deborah Clark’s three daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, became the family matriarch and extraordinarily cared for her family. She was more than a sister, aunt, or Franma—she was our family matriarch, the strong and steady foundation that held our family together. Sarah knew family. She didn’t just love us, she lived for us.
Sarah was a graduate of Agnes Scott College and the University of Georgia. After graduation, she taught at Clarkston High School for six years. She was a professor at Young Harris College for four years and then became a professor of Physical Education at the University of Georgia from 1961–1989. Sarah was a devout Christian and a longtime member of Green Acres Baptist Church in Athens, Georgia.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at Lord & Stephens Funeral Home (4355 Lexington Road, Athens), with visitation from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM. The service will follow from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Interment will take place at 3:00 PM at Resthaven Gardens of Memory (2284 Candler Road, Decatur, Georgia).
In lieu of flowers please make memorial donations to Green Acres Baptist Church, 2085 S Barnett Shoals Rd, Athens, GA 30605, https://www.greenacreschurch.com
Lord & Stephens Funeral Homes, East, Athens, GA is in charge of arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com
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Memories and condolences can be left on the obituary at the funeral home website.
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