Sarah "Sally" Parlette Sams

Born February 22, 1945, in Philadelphia, Sally was raised in Oyster Bay, Long Island. She graduated from Friends Academy in Locust Valley, NY and Randolph-Macon Woman’s College in Lynchburg, VA.

On March 16, 1966, during her junior year of college, Sally was set up on a blind date with Walter A. “Corky” Sams, III, a life-changing event. A long-distance relationship ensued with dates every weekend and occasional Wednesdays as Corky burned up the highway from Chapel Hill to Lynchburg. After graduating with honors, Sally moved to Chapel Hill while Corky finished his senior year. During this year, Sally worked as an assistant psychometrist at UNC. After Corky’s graduation, they were married on June 8, 1968, in Westbury, NY. While Corky served in the Navy, they lived in Rhode Island and Charleston. Sally and other Navy wives followed the ship, spending time exploring the Mediterranean and the Caribbean. After leaving the Navy, Sally and Corky moved to Boston where Sally helped Corky graduate from Harvard Business School by heavily editing his papers. It was a running joke that she deserved the MBA as much as he did.

They finally settled in Athens, Georgia in 1974 where Sally enjoyed raising her three children, who all agree that her laugh was contagious, her patience unmatched, and her ability to love big and unconditionally was undeniable. Grandchildren were welcomed with tea parties, dress up parties and garden strolls complete with flower cutting and vegetable picking. Her calm and nurturing demeanor, coupled with her playful and creative attitude, always led to lots of laughing and uncontrollable giggles from the grandchildren.

Sally was an avid gardener and was a graduate of the Master Gardener course at the University of Georgia. She enjoyed entertaining in her home, hosting many Christmas events, engagement celebrations, and numerous dinner and bridge club parties. She was talented at setting a table, using unique centerpieces that incorporated beautiful flowers to celebrate every occasion.

When she wasn’t in the garden, reading, or with her family, she was giving back to the community through numerous organizations. She was involved at Athens Academy where each of her children graduated and at the First Presbyterian Church where she was on the Sanctuary Committee. She was very passionate and involved in the Georgia Museum of Art, serving as docent, Trustee, decorative arts committee member and president of the Friends of the Museum. She was a dearly loved member and past president of the Junior Ladies Garden Club in Athens. Plus, in her own words, she “did a lot of laundry!”

Sally is survived by her dedicated caregiver and faithful husband of 56 years, Walter A. “Corky” Sams, III, children Mary M. Sams, Walter A. “Gus” Sams, IV and his wife Natalie, Caroline Sams Harris and her husband Ryan, seven wonderful grandchildren, Parker Skiles, Corley Imes, Thomson Sams, Ellie Harris, Brooks Sams, Katherine Harris and Annie Sams, and her brother, Harry L. “Ted” Parlette, III and his wife Diane of Charlottesville, VA and nephews Harry L. Parlette, IV and Eric C. Parlette. She was predeceased by her parents, Mary Thomson Parlette and Harry Leslie Parlette, Jr.

The family would like to sincerely thank their wonderful team of caregivers from Home Instead.

A celebration of Sally’s life will be held on Sunday, September 7, at 3:00 PM, at the Day Chapel at The State Botanical Garden of Georgia in Athens. Seating will be limited. Family will receive friends immediately following the service. Interment will be held at the Oconee Hill Cemetery in a private family service.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to your favorite charity.

Bernstein Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.