Sarah Lazelle Stephenson Sullivan moved to her home in Heaven on Wednesday, June 6, 2018, at the age of 98. Sarah was born in Lawrence County Alabama on October 25, 1919 to Simeon Erby Stephenson and Ada Smith Stephenson. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Jimmie Lee Sullivan; her sisters, Cora Lee Stephenson and Betty Modena Bumgart; and her brothers, Herman Sylvannus Stephenson, Erman George Stephenson and Junior Lee Stephenson. A celebration of her life will be held at Peck Funeral Home Chapel in Hartselle at 11:00 am on Saturday, June 9, 2018, with Bro. Tommy Smothers officiating. Burial will be in the Lebanon Cemetery at Speake. Visitation with the family will be from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Friday at the Funeral Home.
Sarah is survived by her daughters, Selma Grantland (Hollis) of Priceville and Audrey Shelton of Trinity, granddaughters, Freda Harwell (Bill) of Decatur, Brenda Sivley (Jimmy) of Falkville, Vickie Jones of Jasper, TN, Cindy Hall (Steve) of Dallas, TX and Cindy Shelton of Trinity, AL; grandsons, Freddie Steele (Melinda) of Priceville, Greg Steele (Reta) of Priceville and Virgil Shelton of Florida. Also cherishing the memory of Sarah are her great-grandchildren, Heather Partain of Decatur, Kim Harper ((Matthew) of Priceville, Josh Jones (Christa) of Chattanooga, TN, Zach Jones (Torie) of Ringgold, GA, Sydney Gilmore (Troy) of Madison, Brandi Shelton of Florida, Brandon Harwell (Kelli) of Huntsville, AL, Spencer Harwell, Decatur, Brandon (Regina) Lott of Hartselle, Nathan (Jennifer) Lott of Hartselle; great-great grandchildren, Britton Partain of Lexington, KY; McKinley Partain of Decatur; Bailey Harwell of Decatur, Hilton Harwell of Decatur, AL; Michael Morris of Priceville; Brandon Morris of Priceville; Liam Grantland of Priceville, Daniel Harper of Priceville, Jackson Harper of Priceville, Raven Jones of Chattanooga, TN, Jordyn Jones of Chattanooga, TN, Dillon Quinn of Chattanooga, TN, Belle Jones of Ringgold, GA, Mason Jones of Ringgold, GA, and a host of nieces and nephews.
Britton Partain, Zach Jones, Troy Gilmore, Michael Morris, Brandon Morris and Bill Harwell will serve as pall bearers.
The first school Sarah attended was Hendon, a one-room schoolhouse in Lawrence County, which was within walking distance of her home. Once wagons started picking up children for school, Sarah attended Speake School in Lawrence County. Sarah married Jimmie Lee Sullivan, son of John Gaston Sullivan and Isa Belle Jones Sullivan, on March 3, 1934, and they initially lived on the south side of Sand Mountain in Lawrence County, AL, where they began farming. Sarah accepted Christ at Revival being held at Penn Church of God and faithfully served the Lord. She was a shining example of a Christ-follower, and a devoted prayer warrior. Her family had the comfort of knowing that she prayed for each one every day.
Sarah was a homemaker, a loving wife, mother and grandmother, who loved her family and took joy in being together. She kept a garden, put up fruits and vegetables, was a wonderful cook, and loved growing her flowers, southern gospel music and picnics with fried chicken and chocolate cake. She taught her daughters and granddaughters to sew and cook. After her children and grandchildren grew up, Sarah worked for a sewing factory in Moulton, AL so that she could “keep busy”.
Among Sarah’s notes she liked to write so that she wouldn’t forget, is this portion of her testimony: “As I look back on my life, I am reminded of the time when Jesus came to me. I was burdened down and had no hope of eternal life, but when He forgave me I could see there was nothing good I had done, not one thing, it was His love. I had been going to church, listening to the good people sing and praise and preach the Word. I saw right away they had something I wanted and needed. God knew my heart, so He offered me eternal life and I accepted. Oh, that peace and joy He gave me! I can’t explain; it was wonderful. He can restore that love that Satan has destroyed, and more.”
Sarah will be greatly missed, but she has left a wonderful legacy for her family and friends.
The family is grateful for the wonderful loving care provided by USA Healthcare of Falkville. Memorials may be made to SouthernCare New Beacon Hospice in Decatur, AL.
Peck Funeral Home
