Sarah Lucile Newsom Looney, aged 94, of Lacey’s Spring, AL died on Saturday January 28, 2023. Born in Homewood, AL, on April 25, 1928, to Chas. H and Lucile Newsom, Sarah lived in Birmingham and Montgomery before attending the University of Alabama where she received an accounting degree. While studying in the University library, Sarah met her future husband, Hoyt. Hoyt and
Sally, as he always called her, moved to Japan and around the US before returning to Alabama and settling in Huntsville. Sally worked at the North Alabama Presbytery and then at Wesfam Restaurants, Inc. for over 25 years, retiring as the office manager.
Sally was active in professional, social, and church activities throughout her life and made friends in each of these groups along the way. She was proud of her career and was a long-time member of the American Society of Women Accountants. Outside of work her numerous hobbies included: reading, walking, gardening, wildflowers, birding, needle arts, and cooking. Sally and Hoyt were loyal Alabama football fans traveling to home and away games through the years. She was known for taking her knitting along with her everywhere: football games, family gatherings, and even while sitting on a grand jury. She expanded into embroidery and cross stitching and joined the Embroiderers’ Guild of America. Sally was always an active member of the United Methodist Women groups and circles, first at Trinity UMC and then Aldersgate UMC. She was on the committee for needlepointing alter kneelers at Trinity, and also knitted baby blankets for Project Linus. After retiring she became an ardent Birder, participating in the Christmas Bird Counts and enjoying the birds at her feeders on Brindlee Mountain. Sally’s particular love of wildflowers led her to plant many varieties in her yard and to become a “Grubber” at the Huntsville Botanical Garden. An avid reader of all genres, she collected Christmas books and bird books. Sally’s enthusiasm for and interest in a variety of activities inspired her children and grandchildren to pursue their own passions, including many of those she enjoyed.
Sally was preceded in death by her husband of 72 years, Hoyt, and her daughters, Virginia Lucile Looney (Steve Suitts) and Jane Leila Looney (Larry North). She is survived by her children, Mary Ann Buehler (Bruce) and James Hoyt Looney (Kelly); seven grandchildren, David Suitts, Emery Looney, Casey North (Pat Sullivan), Benjamin Buehler, Erin Looney (Patrick Komiske), Shelby North, Phillip Suitts; and one great-grandchild, Theodore Komiske.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Memorials in her name can be made to Aldersgate United Methodist Church or the University of Alabama University Libraries Fund.
