Sara Nan Levins

1937 - 2022

Sara Nan Levins

March 28, 1937 - December 5, 2022

Sara Nan Levins of Opelika, Alabama died on December 5, 2022. She was born March 28, 1937, in Lafayette, Alabama to Olivia and Elmer Yates. She was preceded in death by her parents and her first husband, Robert Holley.

Sara Nan attended Lafayette High School where she was active and accomplished. She was elected Miss Lafayette High School, Miss Home Economics, President of the Beta Club, and she served as a cheerleader. She met her first love, Robert, and dated him until they were married in 1956. She attended Auburn University on scholarship and was selected as a member of the first Angel Flight class. Although recently married, all first-year students were required to live in the dorm. Sara Nan decided living separately from her new husband was not an option, college would have to wait. She and Robert lived in Opelika happily until his sudden death in 1985. While married to Robert and raising two children, Sara Nan enjoyed working with the Opelika City Schools and was an active member of the Exchangettes.

Following Robert's death, she met her husband of the past 35 years, Jim Levins. Sara Nan and Jim traveled extensively with friends and travel groups. They were committed to their church, and they relished the activities of Jim's grandchildren.

During Sara Nan's lifetime, she devoted her time to activities to touch and help others. She loved sending cards for a special occasion or illness and continued to do so right up to her final days. She loved being involved in the church Prison Ministry where she would regularly serve those affected by incarceration.

Sara Nan was a person of deep Christian faith. She was a faithful member of the First United Methodist Church of Opelika. She was a member of the Poe-Cumbie Sunday School, the Joy Fellowship, and the United Methodist Women. Sara Nan was honored as the Lay Person of the Year in 2004. Over the decades, she gave generously of her time and talents to the church and was happiest when she was attending church.

In addition to maintaining a strong faith, she worked hard to stay strong physically. You could find her, twice a week, at the Opelika Sportsplex participating in Sliver Sneakers, Tai Chi, or lifting weights.

Caring for her family was a top priority in her life. She was proud to be the mother of two loving children. Craig Holley (Terri) of Chattanooga, and Julie Andrews (Mike) of Birmingham; she had a special relationship with her brother Elmer "Bubba" Yates (Jennie) of Opelika; and she cherished her grandchildren Holley Chesser (Chad) of Springville, AL, Ann Elizabeth Holley of New York, NY, and Sara Holley of Chattanooga.

Sara Nan is survived by her devoted and loyal husband, Jim Levins and his children Donna Mowery of Opelika, Pam Holmes (Ray) of Sylacauga, AL, Bill Levins (Mandy) of Opelika and grandchildren Beth Mowery of Mobile, Mitchell Mowery (Jordana) of Briarcliff Manor, NY, Meagan Mowery of Opelika, Kaycee Holmes, Chloe Holmes, Tate Holmes all of Sylacauga, AL, Emme Cason (Jonathan) of Lufkin, TX and Will Levins of Opelika.

Sara Nan was also blessed with many special great grandchildren, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

There will be a Celebration of Life on Saturday, December 10th at the First United Methodist Church in Opelika beginning at 1:00pm. Dr. Tim Thompson and Reverend Noland Donald will be officiating. A visitation with family will follow in the church fellowship hall.

Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church in Opelika.