Sara Elizabeth (Propes) Smallwood

Mrs. Sara Elizabeth Propes Smallwood, 83, of Gainesville, Georgia, passed away Friday, March 14, 2014 at Northeast Georgia Medical Center following an extended illness. She was surrounded by her loving family.

She was the daughter of the late Paul S. and Gertrude (Moore) Propes of Chicopee. Sara was married to J. Horace Smallwood for 61 years and has 4 children; James (Connie) Smallwood of Griffin; Darryl (Janice) Smallwood of Gainesville; Kathy (Scott) Head of Gainesville and Stacey (Andy) Covey of Braselton. She has 7 grandchildren; Liz and Anna Smallwood, Jason, Brooke and Caroline Smallwood, Michael Head, Meagan and Drew Covey. She has 3 great-grandchildren, Bentley, Kennedy and Lily Smallwood. She is also survived by her brothers and their loving wives; Louis and Wilma Propes, Harry and Connie Propes and her in laws; Nell Brookshire of Tampa, FL; Jessie Smallwood, John Smallwood, Hal and Brownie Smallwood, Janet Wiley , Almedia and Bill Allison all of Gainesville; many, many nieces and nephews.

Sara was an active member of the Hall County community. She joined Riverbend Baptist Church in 1956. She was a tireless worker in various church and school committees; President of the Riverbend Elementary PTA and President of the Aidmore Auxillary of the Elks Club where her focus was on charity work. Her love for children enhanced so many lives especially with her work through various children's ministries at her church where she fed hundreds during VBS, rocked many babies and enjoyed Kids 4 him. She volunteered from 1956 to 2010 when she was forced to "retire" due to health concerns. She loved her church and loved watching all her "children" grow and flourish. She was witness to several generations of families who were committed to the Lord.

Sara worked for the Hall County Board of Education for 22 years. After her retirement, she became a volunteer for Northeast Georgia Medical Center from 1997 to 2010. She served in The Window Shop and Market Place, Educational Services and Special Projects Committee, and she was on the Board for Volunteer Services.
Sara dedicated her life to the wife and mother her family needed. He loving spirit will be greatly missed.

Memorial services are scheduled for 5:00 pm Tuesday March 18, 2014 at Riverbend Baptist Church with the Reverend Matt Wethington, Reverend Maxey Ladd and Reverend Phillip McQueen officiating. The family will receive friends following the service at the church.

The family has requested there be no flowers but for those whose desire please make donations to Riverbend Baptist Church 1715 Cleveland Highway, Gainesville, GA 30501. Phone: 770.532.1125; or to the charity of ones choosing.

Memorial Park North Riverside Chapel 989 Riverside Drive Gainesville, Georgia, 770-297-6200. Online condolences may be expressed at www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com.