On April 17, 1924 in Fort Gaines, Georgia, Sarah was born to the parentage of the late Henry and Hattie Mae Graham.  She was the fourth of seven children all whom preceded her in death:  Willie, Essie, Emma Lee, Johnny Mel, John Henry, and Christine.  After widowhood, Mrs. Hattie married Mr. George Green and this  union produced another sister, Bennie, also deceased.

As a child, "Sarah Lou" as she was affectionately called, attended the Mt. Calvary Church School, where she had a love for reading, singing, and oral speeches.  She had an impeccable memory and would often recite stories and poems from her childhood that was impressive to the brightest of minds.  She was often asked to perform solos because of her fine ability.

In 1941, she entered into marriage with Johnnie McDowell, Jr.  This union lasted for 51 years until his death in 1992.  To this union eight  children were born:    Virginia, Ruth, Cornelius (deceased), Willie Florence (deceased), Velma, Hurtis, Sarah Mae (deceased), Juanita, and one stepdaughter, Adele (deceased).

Mrs. Sarah spent most of her younger years as a domestic worker, lunchroom worker, and retired as housekeeping supervisor at Calhoun Memorial Hospital.

Her entire life course certainly proved that she was conscious of her spiritual need.  She taught her children her beliefs.  Then, after a formal study of the Bible, she learned the accurate knowledge about the True God, Jehovah and the Kingdom that she had prayed for and taught her children to pray for.  (Matthew 6:9-13)  This compelled her to dedicate her life to Jehovah and symbolized her dedication by water baptism in January 1984, and served faithfully until her illness.

She was the epitome of a very industrious wife, mother, and servant.  She had  unbelievable stamina both mental and physical right down to the end.  She was loving, caring, firm, and dedicated to her family.  Because of her firm resolve to take care of her family, she made a way out of no way when times were rough.  She made something out of nothing to take care of her children.  She made tremendous sacrifices for the well-being of her family.

She enjoyed working in her yards, cooking and entertaining (and everything she cooked was delicious).  When you came to her house she was happy to feed you and those who were sick and in the hospital.  She was a wonderful storyteller and had a great sense of humor.  She was loved by her family and her husband's family as well.  She extended a helping hand, a listening ear, and an encouraging word to those in need.

She leaves to share loving memories five children:  Virginia Clark (Martin),       Albany, GA, Ruth Severson, Edison GA, Velma Anderson and Juanita Williams, Albany, GA, and Hurtis McDowell, Charlotte, NC.  One daughter-in-law, Jeanette McDowell, Albany, GA.  Twenty grandchildren, twenty-five great grandchildren, thirteen great-great grandchildren, and a multitude of relatives and friends.