CELEBRATION OF LIFE fot" Sunrise May 25,1928 Sunset ~overnber30,2013 Wednesday, December 4, 2013 11:00 A.M. B EN HILL UNITED METHODIST C HURCH 2099 FAIRBURN R OAD, SW, ATLANTA, GA 30331 REVEREND BYRON E. THOMAS, SENIOR PASTOR OFFICIATING r;?/ar--aib ~u;e;j {[ifalicvnt, lovingly known as" BIG MAMA," was born May 25, 1928, in East Point, Georgia, to the late Oscar Banks and Pearl Jackson Banks Strozier. She departed this life on November 30, 2013. She confessed Christ at an early age at Neriah Baptist Church under the pasturage of Reverend R.N. Martin. She also attended National Divine Church and later in life she became an active member of Ben Hill United Methodist Church where she attended until she departed this life. Sarah was educated in the Fulton County School System and was later employed by Delta Airlines where she retired after 35 years of service. "BIG MAMA" enjoyed meeting new people and staying involved through numerous social activities. She loved to sing and serve others and as such was a dedicated choir and usher team member. In continuing her church involvement, she was also an active member of the Jewels & Partners Ministry and the Young at Heart/Crusaders Sunday School group at Ben Hill United Methodist Church. Outside of her church involvement she was a member of the Social Club "TOPS" and The Order of the Eastern Star "Deborah Chapter." After retirement, "BIG MAMA" enjoyed laying across her bed, watching her favorite Soap Operas and calling family and friends multiple times a day. She also enjoyed cooking and sharing her recipes. "BIG MAMA" always prayed for and encouraged others, even while she was ill. Sarah joined Jessie Barnes in Holy matrimony in 1947 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and to this union three (3) daughters were born. Later in life, she married James "BIG DADDY" Ballard and they shared a wonderful marriage for over 50 years. Both preceded her in death. Among the clouds of witnesses preceding her in death are her siblings; Mae Nell Weston, Paul Banks, Bruce Banks and Joseph Banks, respectfully. She leaves to cherish her memory, three (3) loving and devoted daughters; Diane B. (Farris) Harden, Brenda Bailey and Linda (Willie) Brittian, eight (8) devoted grandchildren; Libra "Miss SCOPE" Royster, Byron "TOTTLER" (Kim) Harden, Wendy "PIGO" (Patrick) Frazier, Warren "The NOW" Bailey, Farrah "LADY DI" Harden, Cedric "STUFF" Bailey, Timothy "BUCK 1" Brittian and James "BUCK 2" (Tomarya) Brittian, eight (8) loving great grandchildren; Brittiany "Dr. COOK" Royster, Whitney "PUDDIN" Frazier, Benjamin "MOSES" Harden, Brianna "GANNY" Royster, Warren "BUBBLE LEGS" Bailey, Jr., Nathaniel "ADAM" Harden, Preston "Baby BROTHER" Frazier, Kera "SHU SHU" Harden, sister-in-law; Mary D. Butler, brother-in-law; John Wesley Ballard, nephew; Pete Weston, a special cousin; Mamie Clemons and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Flower Ladies Jewels and Partners & United Methodist Women Pallbearers Grandsons & Honorary Grandsons Thankyou to all the fami!J,fn.ends and loved ones who have called, visited, listened, cooked and provided support dunng our time of bereavement. The Barnes & Ballard Fami!J Final Arrangements Entrusted To: Gus Thornhill Funeral Home 1315 Gus Thornhill Jr. Drive East Point, Georgia 30344 Phone#: (404) 768-2993 PRELUDE PROCESSIONAL SONG OF CELEBRATION SCRIPTURE "If It Had Not Been For the Lord" Keith Wilson Old Testament Psalm 91 New Testament John 14: 1-6 Rev. Dr. Michael Stinson 5enior Pastor, Bethel UMC Rev. Paul Easley, Sr. PRAYER OF COMFORT Minister Sam Townsend INSTRUMENTAL SELECTION Rechard Latham REFLECTIONS (3 minutes) Carol Clark Weslry Birdie Broadus Estelle 5pearman Iona Walker Helen Pittman RufD' Dallas Great-Grand Children SONG OF CELEBRATION WORDS OF COMFORT "When You Hear OJ My Homegoing" Dorothy Searcy Rev. McCallister Hollins Senior Pastor, Ouslry UMC ACKNOWLEDGMENT RECESSIONAL Interment South.,View Cemetery 1990 Jonesboro Rd., SE Atlanta, GA 30315 Repast BHUMC Fellowship Hall