Ms. Sara Jane Griggs Tielking, age 87, of the Hopewell Community in Arab, Alabama, passed away peacefully at her residence on Sunday morning, July 13, 2025. Born March 15, 1938, in Marshall County, Alabama, Sara was one of thirteen beloved children of the late James Samuel Griggs and Beulah Delilah Sheppard Griggs. Her professional career involved employment at NASA/Marshall Space Flight Center, from which she retired as a personal secretary.
Sara lived a life deeply rooted in faith, family, and community. As a devoted member of New Canaan Baptist Church, Sara Jane Griggs Tielking’s life was a testament to faith, love, and steadfast devotion to those she held dear.
Sara was an avid reader, an enthusiastic gardener, a skilled seamstress, and a gifted singer and was often found tending her garden, sewing for her family, or lifting her voice in song.
She will be dearly missed by her loving family, including her daughter, Sheila Dawn McAnear; her three sons, Brian Keith Tielking (Heather), Randall Lynn Tielking (Fan), and Gregory Lloyd Tielking. Sara’s legacy lives on in her treasured grandchildren: Elizabeth Tielking, Andrew Tielking (Madelyn), Emily Tielking Lopez (Victor), McKenzie Land Parham (Dillon), Clint Light (Bridget), Taylor McAnear, Terry McAnear (Kiah), Allison Tielking, Jake Tielking, Kira Tielking Vance (Johnny), Ruby Tielking, and Gracie Smith; as well as her six great grandchildren and many extended family members. All who will continue to honor her memory.
Sara is preceded in death by her mother, Beulah Griggs; father, James Griggs; brothers, James Griggs, Owen Griggs, John Griggs, Bobby Griggs, Travis Griggs, and Berddie Griggs; sisters, Della Bolton, Mary Narrell, Opel Hudgins, Pearlie Scolds, and Doris Hill.
A service to celebrate Sara’s remarkable life will be at Arab Heritage Memorial Chapel. Friends and family are invited to attend the visitation on Saturday, July 19, 2025, from 10:00 to 11:00am to pay their respects and share fond memories. The funeral service, officiated by Reverend Clint Maze, will follow the visitation beginning at 11:00. Honored to serve as pallbearers and escorting Sara to her final resting place in Oleander Cemetery are Brian Tielking, Randy Tielking, Greg Tielking, Andrew Tielking, Clint Light and Terry McAnear. Arab Heritage Memorial Chapel entrusted with arrangements.
