Sarah Ellen (McGhee) Williams Gilmore

Sarah Ellen (McGhee) Williams Gilmore, lovingly known as Sarah, passed away peacefully on October 27, 2023, in Dothan, Alabama. Born to the late James and Clady McGhee on July 13, 1946, in Ashford, Alabama, Sarah was one of ten siblings and grew up in a home filled with love and laughter.

Sarah married the late Odell Williams in 1964, and soon after, they moved to Detroit, Michigan. Their union was blessed with three children, and Sarah dedicated her life to her family, always ensuring they were showered with love and care. After the passing of her husband, Sarah made the decision to move to Dothan, Alabama in 2008, seeking warmer weather and a change of pace.

Sarah was a woman of strength, humor, and immense love. She was a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her sense of humor was infectious, and she had a knack for making people laugh with her witty remarks. Sarah lived her life on her terms, always saying, "Child, I don't care what people think." She loved watching her soap operas, cooking, and talking on the phone, especially when her favorite shows were not airing. She also had a deep love for her church family, where she found solace and joy.

Sarah attended Grimsley High School in Ashford, Alabama, where she nurtured her love for learning and established lifelong friendships. Despite the challenges life threw at her, Sarah always held her head high and faced them with courage and determination.

Sarah was preceded in death by her son: Ezell Williams, her parents: James and Clady McGhee, and her siblings, Beatrice Davis, Mittie Smith, Willie Frank, James David, and Willie Joe Register.

She leaves to cherish her precious memories with her loving and devoted husband: Victor Gilmore; her children: JoAnn (Kelly) Mosby and David (Teresa) Williams, both of Detroit, Michigan; her siblings, Mary Ann (Sylvester) McCree, Minnie Johnson, Ira Nell Dawsey, and William McGhee. Sarah was a proud grandmother to nineteen grandchildren and a host of great-grandchildren. She also had a special bond with three nieces: Lisa (Johnny) Smith, Mary Flowers, and Felita Cody; her nephew, Alton Jackson; her cousin, Johnnie Mae (Charles) McGriff, and a host of beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

As we remember Sarah, we are reminded of a quote by Helen Keller: "The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched - they must be felt with the heart." Sarah was indeed one of the most beautiful things in this world, and her legacy will continue to be felt in the hearts of all who knew her.

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