Sara Jane Ball

Sara Jane (Clark) Ball died peacefully surrounded by love, on Tuesday, August 13th, 2024, in Birmingham, Alabama. She is survived by her two loving daughters and grandson, Rebecca Anne Ball Campagna, Hilary E. Ball and Julius M. Ball-Heldman, her caring son-in-law Douglas R. Campagna, one niece and two nephews, and many beloved friends, all of whom will miss her greatly. There will be a Memorial Service held at Elmwood Cemetery on Monday, August 19th, at 11 am, and her family welcomes all those who want to come to celebrate the life of Sara Jane. A reception will follow.

Born on November 2, 1934 in Vicksburg, Mississippi to Laurance James Clark and Anne (Johnston) Clark, Sara Jane was the younger of two children. Her beloved brother, Laurance Clark, Jr., died tragically young in 1983, yet Laurance remained in Sara Jane’s heart and mind until the very end. Also front-and-center in her heart and mind was her husband, Gene V. Ball, to whom she was married for almost 65 years; Gene died exactly five months before Sara Jane.

Sara Jane spent her childhood in Vicksburg, MS, so long ago that she and her brother slept in what was known then as a sleeping porch, in order to keep cool during the hot Mississippi summers. Beyond her family, Sara Jane grew up surrounded by intimate friends, with whom she remained close until her death. She graduated from LSU in 1956, and thereafter obtained her Master’s Degree from Cornell University in Nutritional Sciences. After graduating from LSU, she went on a bike tour throughout Scotland. She loved to tell stories about how she did not think she would be able to bike the whole country, given that athleticism was not her forte; however, as was typical of Sara Jane, she overcame the immense difficulty and could even be caught reminiscing on how strong her calves became that summer!

After obtaining her Master’s, she moved to Nashville, TN, where she worked at Vanderbilt University. While working there, Sara Jane was set up on a blind date with Gene by one of her cousins, who, like Gene, was attending Vanderbilt medical school. After dating and getting married, Sara Jane and Gene moved consistently for Gene to complete his medical training, living in Philadelphia, Cincinnati, Jamaica and Miami, until they finally arrived in Birmingham. By the time they moved to Birmingham in 1966 for Gene’s position as a Rheumatologist at UAB Hospital, they had their two daughters, Rebecca and Hilary; once they settled into Birmingham, they found both community and joy, and they never considered moving again.

In 1978, Sara Jane became Project Editor/stylist for Decorating & Craft Ideas magazine, and in 1982 she became the food/photography stylist for Oxmoor House. She was very proud of her involvement in the 18 volume Southern Heritage Cookbook, and the Winifred Green Cheney’s Cooking for Company cookbook. After leaving Oxmoor House, Sara Jane began to make beautiful wedding and celebratory cakes. She always had artistic hobbies that engaged her mind, and she shared her knowledge with anyone who needed her help or simply wanted to learn.

Sara Jane was an Episcopalian her entire life. She taught 5 year olds Sunday School at the Cathedral Church of the Advent for more than 20 years. Her enduring legacy at the Advent was her passion and dedication to the children and families whom she served as teacher. She served on the Vestry and was involved in many other facets of the church. She was beloved by many at the Advent.

Sara Jane’s family would like to recognize the incredible and loving care Sara Jane received from Southeast Hospice’s staff, and the love and care from Pat and Shaun.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to one of the many philanthropic Ministries run by the Cathedral Church of the Advent, or to any other charity of your choice