Panola Marie Sabo

Panola Sabo, 66, of Austin, TX passed away on Jan. 1, 2013 surrounded by her loving family. She leaves behind her husband of 47 years, John Sabo. She was born on Feb. 25, 1946 in Fort Smith, AK, the daughter of the late Lonnie and Marie (Patrick) Wilson.

The family settled in Tucson, AZ where she attended and graduated from Flowing Wells High School. Panola met her husband John (Jack) after he had picked her picture out of the yearbook. They were set up on a blind date and have been together ever since. John and Panola were soon married and began the journey of starting a family, which was what she considered her greatest accomplishment. Panola was a wonderful wife, devoted mother, dedicated grandmother; no one was a stranger once you met her. Anyone who met her felt drawn to her beauty and warmth.

Panola stayed true to her humble beginnings (making her own clothes as a child); was never pretentious. She was extremely creative, loved helping her kids and grandkids with art projects, and was known within the family for her ability to fix anything. She loved to make clothes and Halloween costumes for her grandchildren.

Panola carried a very positive attitude throughout her life. Her glass was always half full (sometimes with wine). She was caring and always available to listen and interact with everyone around her. She was known as the "cool Mom" across Westlake. Her positivity allowed her to touch and inspire everyone that she encountered.

Besides her husband John, she is survived by her son Eric (Cindy), daughter Jennifer Willcott (Matthew); five grandchildren whom she adored, Ursula, Jesse, Bentley, Nate and Nola; brother Jack Wilson of Tucson, Arizona. She was also survived by a large loving extended family. She was predeceased by her sister Zelma Richardson, brothers David and Lonnie Wilson.

Services will be held at 2pm on Tuesday, January 8th at Austin Baptist Church, 7016 Ribelin Ranch Drive, Austin, Texas 78750.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to A Glimmer of Hope Foundation, 3600 N. Capital of Texas Hwy., Bldg. B, Suite 330, Austin, Texas 78746.