Mother Sarah Jane Williams

Obituary For Mother Sarah Jane Williams

Ms. Sarah Jane Williams was born on May 3, 1931, in Thomaston, Georgia. She lived a long, beautiful, and meaningful life in the community she called home. On September 1, 2026, she peacefully departed this earthly life in Decatur, Georgia, at the age of 95.

She was the beloved daughter of the late Johnnie and Rosa Matthews of Thomaston, Georgia, and was the youngest of fourteen siblings. Being the youngest in such a large family helped shape the loving, caring, and nurturing spirit that she carried throughout her life. Ms. Williams was a woman who believed in family, community, and, most importantly, caring for others.

One of the greatest legacies Ms. Williams leaves behind is the love and compassion she showed to children. She served as a foster parent in the community, opening her heart and her home to more than 60 children throughout Upson County and surrounding counties. For many children, she was more than a foster parent—she was a source of comfort, stability, encouragement, and love. Her dedication and commitment to children earned her several awards and recognitions from the Department of Children and Human Services for her outstanding care and support of the foster care program. Her willingness to make room at her table and in her heart is a testament to the kind of woman she was.

Ms. Williams found joy in the simple and beautiful things of life. She loved gardening, baking, and fishing, and she took great pride in the flowers, trees, and plants that surrounded her home. Her green thumb was something special. She was even featured in the Thomaston Times for successfully growing a banana tree that produced bananas. She also planted three agave plants that grew to an impressive height of more than 25 feet. Her yard is a reflection of her patience, determination, and love for growing things.

And if you knew Ms. Williams, you knew that her kitchen was another special place. She lovingly baked cakes, pies, cookies, and her famous cornflake peanut butter balls, creating sweet treats that became cherished memories for family and friends. Her hands were always busy, and there was often something growing in her garden or something delicious coming from her kitchen.

Ms. Williams also enjoyed fishing and especially loved sharing stories about her childhood, including memories of living near and fishing on the Flint River. Her stories gave younger generations a glimpse into another time and allowed them to experience a little of the life she knew and loved. Her memories, laughter, wisdom, and stories will continue to live on through those who were blessed to hear them.

In her twenties, Ms. Williams married the late Charles Williams, and together they were blessed with six children: Ernestine Shannon of Thomasville, Georgia, Charlene Williams-Cash (Calvin Cash) of Griffin, Georgia, Gwendolyn Williams-Thompson of Decatur, Georgia, Clifford L. Williams (Ursula Durrah-Williams) of Waldorf, Maryland, Reginald King of Thomaston, Georgia and the late Darryl E. Williams.

Her legacy continues through her 14 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and 5 great-great-grandchildren who live throughout the United States. Through them, the love, lessons, traditions, stories, and memories of “Ms. Sarah” will continue from one generation to the next. She also leaves to cherish her memory one sister-in-law, Mrs. Edith Williams of Thomaston, GA; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends whose lives were touched by her love and presence.

At 95 years of age, Ms. Sarah Jane Williams leaves behind a life filled with purpose, service, family, laughter, hard work, and love. She nurtured children, planted beautiful things, prepared food that brought people together, shared stories that connected generations, and created memories that will never fade.

Though she will be deeply missed, her family and loved ones can take comfort in knowing that her life mattered, her love made a difference, and her legacy will continue to bloom in the lives of those she touched. The flowers she so carefully tended may one day fade, but the seeds of love she planted in her family, her community, and the many children she cared for will continue to grow.

May the life of Ms. Sarah Jane Williams be remembered with smiles, cherished through stories, and celebrated with gratitude for the 95 years she shared with this world.

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