Sarah Ann Stallings Owen, age 89, of Vinemont, Alabama, died on July 19, 2026, surrounded by family at Woodland Village Rehab Facility in Cullman, Alabama.
Born in Newnan, Georgia, in 1937, Sarah was the cherished daughter of the late Willis Hammond Stallings and Elma Jackson Stallings. She was a proud graduate of Newnan High School’s Class of 1954 and Emmanuel College’s Class of 1958. Her dedication to learning continued throughout her life, and she later earned a second degree from Samford University in 1988.
Sarah began her career as a switchboard operator with AT&T in Greensboro, North Carolina, and at University Hospital in Birmingham, Alabama. Through her commitment and talents, she went on to serve as Director of Communications for Baptist Health System. She enjoyed a rewarding career before retiring in 1999.
She found great joy in music, especially the songs of Elvis, and loved sharing her beautiful voice with others. While attending Emmanuel College in Franklin Springs, Georgia, she was a proud member of The Emmanuel Singers, the college’s premier touring choral and worship ensemble. The group frequently performed at churches and events throughout the Southeast, creating many special memories along the way.
After graduating, she continued her love of singing as a devoted member of the choir at Baldwin Heights Baptist Church. She also enjoyed cooking, reading, and traveling with her husband. Her signature dessert was a homemade chocolate pound cake, complete with rich, made-from-scratch frosting. At home, she could often be found watching NCIS, Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy, or Dancing with the Stars, and she delighted in completing countless crossword puzzles throughout her life.
She lived a life characterized by quiet grace, unwavering patience, and a deeply compassionate spirit. She approached every day with a warm smile and an open heart, creating a home that was a true sanctuary of love for her family. She will be remembered for her listening ear, her gentle wisdom, and her ability to make everyone around her feel valued and safe.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Willis Hammond and Elma Jackson Stallings; her sister, Jean Nix; and her brother, Willis Stallings. She is survived by her loving husband of 65 years, Maxrell Lewis Owen of Vinemont, Alabama; her son, David (Staci) Owen of Pleasant Grove, Alabama; and her daughter, Beth (Shane) Murphree of Springville, Alabama. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Jennifer (Christian) Tyler of Hayden, Alabama, Jordan Murphree of Vestavia Hills, Alabama, Kimberly (Austen) Merchant of Steele, Alabama, Jackson (Olivia) Murphree of Steele, Alabama, and Jacob and JoAnna Murphree of Springville, Alabama; her great-grandchildren, Andrew, Zachary, Maci, and Haiden Tyler of Hayden, Alabama, Morgan Merchant and Margaret Murphree of Steele, Alabama; as well as several beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Serving as pallbearers will be Jackson Murphree, Jacob Murphree, Andrew Tyler, Zachary Tyler, Christian Tyler, and Austen Merchant.
The service will be on Friday, July 24, 2026, at 1 p.m. in the chapel of The Cullman Funeral Home with Bro. Steve Rodgers and Bro. Roger McManus officiating. Graveside Service and Interment will follow at the Old Rugged Cross Garden of Jefferson Memorial Gardens East in Trussville, AL. The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the funeral home.
