Sarah Martin Roper Rowan Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Mrs. Sarah Martin Roper Rowan, passed away June 2, 2022 in Talladega, AL with her son and daughter at her bedside. She is predeceased by her mother and father, John Franklin and Hazel McCullough Martin, and her brother, Julian Franklin Martin. She is survived by her daughter, Teresa Roper Craft and Randall of Talladega, AL and by her son David Roper and MaryWynn, of Auburn, AL. Surviving grandchildren include granddaughter Charisse Abernathy and Trent of Rome; granddaughter Brandee Minter and Robert of Calhoun, Ga with Brilyee and Anslee, great granddaughters of Sarah; grandson Lee Roper and Allison of Rome. She is also survived by great granddaughter Taylor Proctor and Shannon of Villa Rica, Ga and their son, Ezra, Sarah’s great great grandson; by great granddaughter Tabitha Hill and Chris of Gadsden, Al; by great grandson Storm Garrett and Jessica of Lindale with their children Jacob, Brooklyn and Blakey, Sarah’s great great grandchildren; by great granddaughter Macee Miller and Dylan of Rome with children Bryston, Elijah and Bexley, great great grandchildren of Sarah. Kody Roper and Preston Roper, both of Rome, are also surviving great grandsons. Raised in the small neighborhood Martins Grocery (with living quarters in the back) in South Rome, she exhibited an early, natural aptitude with numbers. As a teenager, she worked at a 5&10 cents store on Broad St. She then moved to the Montgomery Ward Store on Broad, finally settling in as the children’s department manager at the Faye Store where she displayed an extraordinary eye and sense of fashion. She finished her career in Rome after opening and managing the Young Faye Store. Sarah eventually moved to Atlanta where she oversaw several branches of the revered Atlanta department store Rich’s. She ended her stellar retail career as a buyer with Rich’s. Though retired, Sarah continued to be active, traveling on multiple cruises, ballroom dancing, line dancing, playing bingo and walking with treasured friends two to three times a week. A lifelong lover of music, Sarah was the piano player at East Rome Baptist Church during its early years. After moving to Desoto Park Baptist Church as pianist, the Church purchased an organ. She returned to her music teacher and learned to play the instrument to become the church organist. She particularly enjoyed the cantatas of the Easter season. Eleven years ago, Sarah moved to Talladega, Al to live with her daughter and son-in-law. She stayed up to date on current events as she became an avid news watcher. Sarah developed a love of animals late in life; Prissy, a large, blond, sweet natured lab, became her best buddy, especially at meal time where Sarah shared every meal with Pris. As she aged gracefully, Sarah enjoyed the simple joys of family celebrations, family trips and vacations, speaking daily with her son and the daily pleasures of life. Underlying each day was a quiet faith in God. Her trust in Him was the source of her peace and grounded her. Brought up by a strong mother, Sarah continued the tradition. In a time much different for women, Sarah can only be described with multiple adjectives: courageous, resilient, spiritual, charming, vibrant, professional, hard working, determined. Sarah was a special kind of mother who demonstrated her love in a different way to her children and family. She was always there when we needed her and she will be missed beyond words, especially by her son every day at 5:30pm and by her daughter, every day. Graveside and interment services will be held at 4:00 PM on Monday June 6, 2022 at East View Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 2:00 PM until 4:00 PM on Sunday June 5, 2022 at Good Shepherd Funeral Home, 2750 Shorter Ave. Rome GA. 30165. Good Shepherd Funeral Home has charge of the arrangements.

Sarah Martin Roper Rowan

February 2, 1928 - June 2, 2022

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