Sally Lee Davis Edwards

Sally was married in her hometown of Golconda, Illinois, on August 26, 1961 to Larry Dean Edwards, who survives. They were blessed with two children, Suzanne (Todd) Rivers and Clark (Lucy) Edwards, and three adored grandchildren, Dean Perry Thomas, Mia Victoria Edwards, and Liam Pierce Rivers. She was so proud of each of the grandchildren and treasured her time with them, to whom she was their loving YaYa.

Also surviving is Sally's brother, Clark Davis, Collinsville, Illinois; niece, Julia Davis; nephew, Kelton Davis (Lyndi, Quincy, and Elizabeth); and niece, Kristi Hubert (Sam and Cooper). Her love of family was so deep and knew no bounds.

Sally grew up in Golconda, a small Norman Rockwell-esque, Mayberry-like town on the Ohio River in the 1950s. She thrived in that environment through high school with her parents, Vic and Sue Davis, owning the local Rexall Drug Store and the Main Street movie theater. Sally graduated in 1959 from Pope County High School, where she had been a cheerleader and student government officer. She always cherished her hometown and Southern Illinois roots.

She attended Lindenwood College, St. Charles, Missouri, and Southern Illinois University (SIU). She became an executive assistant for SIU to help support Larry in graduating from SIU.

Wherever Sally was, she shared her infectious happiness, positive attitude, and unconditional love with all. By doing so, she developed deep and abiding friendships that lasted a lifetime. She always let a person know how much she truly cared for them. She had a particular affection for a group of lady friends called "The 10” who had grown up and gone through school together. Although miles may have separated them their bond remained as sisters as they spoke often and met annually for many years.

Sally's Birmingham friends, of which she felt all were family as well, was a vast group of ages, backgrounds, and amazing personalities. Many of these friendships were from the Inverness community where Sally and Larry have lived for the past 44 years. For the younger generation she loved, she joyously embraced being “Yaya” to them all.

Sally and Larry counted their blessings daily for the past 20 years to have spent extended winters in Seagrove Beach, where they met more wonderful souls and loving friends. Her favorite days were looking in awe over the sparkling waters of the Gulf that she called ‘diamond days’ and the evening sky’s heavenly array of ever-changing beautiful colors.

They were also thankful for their travels with family and as a couple to many memorable destinations over the years. Returning to their hometowns and visiting with family and friends was something they looked forward to doing as often as possible.

Although she was modest about her many talents, Sally would prepare delicious meals from the recipes of her mother, grandmothers, and Larry’s aunts; make beautiful one of a kind holiday showcase decorations for their home, especially at Christmas; plant colorful flowers/shrubs outside their home (especially azaleas and geraniums) and do beautiful arrangements in the home; and work as a skilled crafter, focusing in recent years on her custom cut glass art making unique creations for family and friends. She loved and would have so much fun doing crafts with each of her grandchildren at her ‘Camp YaPa.’

Sally was raised in the First Presbyterian Church of Golconda, the oldest congregation in Illinois. Her spirituality was felt by many as she was a firm believer in the power of prayer and giving thanks for all of her blessings.

She was predeceased by her beloved parents, Vic and Sue Davis; her grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Herman Davis and Mr. and Mrs. Walter George; and her infant daughter (1963) Laura Lynn Edwards.

Sally will be dearly missed, but her loving, positive spirit will always be carried by those who knew her. Her friends and family can attest to two of her most favorite phrases: in conversation, “one more thing,” and always, “I love you.”

Sally's request for a private family service was honored at Alabama National Cemetery, Montevallo. The family plans a "Celebration of Her Loving Life" soon.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Sally L. Edwards’ name to The Salvation Army at https://give.salvationarmyusa.org, or give to your favorite charity.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.SouthernHeritageFunerals.com for Sally's family.