Sarah McElyea, aged 92, passed away at her home in Athens, Alabama with family by her side late Saturday night, April 4, 2026. Viewing will be at Limestone Chapel on Saturday, April 11 from 11:00am to 12:45pm and the funeral at 1:00pm. The family will have a private burial at the City Cemetery at 2:00pm.
She is joining husband, William McElyea, and siblings, Willadean Fielding (with Comer and Woodrow Jenkins), Ocile Jenkins (with Warren), Guy Chittam (with Hattie May), Paisley Chittam (with Ann), Erminea Chittam, Herbert Chittam, William Ray Chittam (with Claudia), Myrion Babcock (with Roger), Jerry Battles, Nancy McDonald (with Jim), and Michael Chittam.
She is leaving behind a daughter, Wanda Campbell, and son, Jim McElyea (and Pauline), sisters Ann Barton, Judy Winter (with Ron), and Marsha Harris (with Bill), grandchildren Deirdre Roberts (Ken), Shannon Campbell, Ben Campbell, Brian Campbell (Stephany), PJ McElyea (Whitney) Jessica Fisk (Casey) and great grandchildren Brittany Czekalski, Jimmy Benson (Shawna), Christina Mays (Jeremy), Matthew Waldron, Anneliese McElyea, Henry McElyea, John Luke McElyea, Isabella Fisk, CJ Fisk, Hayden Fisk, Tucker Fisk, and Crystal Roberts.
She started life as a timid child entering school a year early because her mother had died. She graduated from Clements High and started her family on Irvin Street in Athens. She grew into a brave, resourceful, enthusiastic adult who traveled with her Army husband and tried new things every chance she got. She moved often residing at Ft Leonard Wood, MO, Ft, Campbell, KY, Germany, Oak Grove, KY, Clarksville, TN and Hendersonville, TN. After graduating college at age 52, she opened a store on the Courthouse Square in Athens selling craft supplies and beauty supplies for many years. After retiring, she joined Master Gardeners and grew flowers in her yard and a hothouse William built for her.
She is loved by many and will be greatly missed. In lieu of flowers, Sarah would appreciate donations to Athens Limestone Hospice.
