Funeral program for Sarah Elizabeth McClain Slater-Badger "Ma"

Alpha
May 9, 1909
Omega
June 28, 2008
Thursday, July 3, 2008
iifooA:M.
Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church
Groveland, Georgia
Reverend H.W. Miller, Eulogist
Dr. L. Perry McNeal, Presiding
The essence of Sarahs spirit was captured in her smile. Despite her many trials and tribulations, she was always
able to maintain her unyielding optimism and unshakable spirit. She was a strong woman.
Sarah was born in Liberty County, Georgia (The Area) on May 9, 1909 to the late Cotton and Sallie
McClain, and was one of nine children. She accepted Christ and was baptized at an early age. She grew up as most black
Americans, with segregation and during the most diffcult of times. But despite the seeming odds against her, she was a
proud woman who was sustained and empowered by her absolute faith in God and love of and for her family. She quietly
altered the lives of her children and all those with whom she came in contact with by imbuing them with the knowledge
of the power of God and by her eternal smile. She would always say, Marys baby will always make a way.
She and Grady Slater joined in marriage in 1926, and to this union, six children were born. One son, Roosevelt
Slater (Hookie), preceded her in death.
After Gradys death, Sarah was united into holy matrimony to the late Moses James Badger in 1937. To this
union, ten children were born, two still born and Moses James Badger, Jr., deceased.
Sarah never met a stranger, her warmth and love were generously bestowed upon all who knew her. She opened
her home and her heart to anyone passing her way, and always had a kind word of encouragement to offer to anyone who
entered her loving circle. Even though she had many children to feed, no neighbor, friend, or stranger ever went hungry.
She knew that her riches and wealth were found, not in her material possessions, but in the relationships that she shared
with god, her family, and her Jriends.
Sarah lived life to the fullest. She loved to joke around, have a good time with the kids, and travel She traveled
to the Carolinas, New Jersey, Florida, and California. And at any given moment you could hear her say, I love
AAAAAALLL my children. Her legacy is simple and is expressed in the gospel according to Matthew 6:33: Seek ye first
the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all things shall be added unto you.
Sarah leaves to cherish loving memories her twelve children: Evelyn Bacon (Joe), Melrose Jackson, Felton Slater,
Sarah Williams, James T. Slater, Flossie Norman, Annie G. Badger, Jenel Hayward (Roy), all of Claxton, Georgia; Ernest
R. Badger of Daly City, California; Willie E. Badger (Gloria) of Sacramento, California; Ernestine Badger-Henderson
and Katherine Sapp of Oakland, California; sister-in-law Grade Mae Davis; seventy-eight grandchildren; two hundred
ten great-grandchildren; one hundred sixty-four great-great-grandchildren; twenty-six great-great-great grandchildren; a
host of nieces, nephews, and a vast number of friends who love her. Sarahs warm, engaging smile will live on in their
hearts forever.
Of
Dr. L. Perry McNeal, Presiding
Processional of Clergy and Family
Viewing Upon Entrance
Scripture Reading..............................................................................Dr. C.L. Anderson
Prayer............................................................................................Rev. A.C. Pierce
Solo.....................................................................Sis. Zanilla Bacon, Great Granddaughter
Acknowledgements/Resolutions....................................................Cassandra Cliette, Granddaughter
Expressions ....................................................................................(2 minutes please)
Presentation Gone but not Forgotten..................................................Sis. Kathy Sapp, Daughter
Obituary soft music.............................................................................Read Silently
Solo ....................................................................Bro. Vincent Stewart, Great-great Nephew
The Proclamation of Hope ......................................................................Rev. H. W. Miller
Acknowledgements............................................................................Harpers Funeral Home
Recessional
Interment
Jerusalem Baptist Church Cemetery
3^/we ^^Mearer6
Eddie Jackson
Clayton Slater
Burnell Williams
James T. Slater, Jr.
James Littles
Travis Badger
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Felton Slater
Ernest R. Badger
Roosevelt Slater, Jr.
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James T. Slater, Sr.
Willie E. Badger
Troy Bacon, Jr.
Johnnie Bacon
Grand Daughters
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Sarahs family wishes to acknowledge with deep appreciation the
many comforting messages, floral tributes, prayers, and many other
expressions of kindness and concern evidenced at this time in thought and
deed. A more personal acknowledgement will be made at a later date.
Professional Services Entrusted To:
Harpers Funeral Home
125 North Broad Street
Claxton, Georgia 30417
(912) 739-2658
Juanita B. Hodges
Owner
Ylonne Hodges
Mortician
Yvonne Hodges
General Manager
Jerry Gibson
Mortician
Percy Hodges
Mortician
Rev. Johnny Levant
Chaplain