Sarah Holley Crowley, 89
October 19, 1935 – February 15, 2025
COLUMBUS – Sarah Marka Holley Crowley of Columbus, Mississippi passed away on February 15, 2025 at the age of 89 following a massive stroke. She spent her final days at Sanctuary Hospice House where she was lovingly cared for by her family. Sarah was born the youngest of seven children in Vernon, Alabama on October 19, 1935. She carried on the legacy of the strong Holley women before her—sweet when it mattered, but never afraid to show a little spice. Her adventurous spirit took her to all 50 states including driving from Mississippi to Alaska and back and taking a spectacular girls trip to her final state, Hawaii, in November, 2024.
Sarah was artistic and expressed her creativity throughout her life. She was an accomplished seamstress who created beautiful dresses for her daughters with great skill and love. She was also a wonderful cook who enjoyed making country food fresh from her bountiful garden. She was famous for her caramel and chocolate pies — often bringing two of each to family gatherings so there would be plenty to go around. She was also an award-winning professional jewelry maker, though what she cherished most was making and sharing her creations with loved ones. She led a jewelry-making class for friends in her community and also generously shared her love of jewelry-making with her family. Those of us lucky enough to be gifted one of her creations are often stopped by someone captivated by its uniqueness and beauty asking where they can purchase one, but her pieces are truly one-of-a-kind and priceless, just like her.
There’s so much to say about someone like Sarah who loved so deeply and built such a rich, full life for herself and those she loved. Those who knew her will remember her as a warm and compassionate person who loved deeply, lived out her faith, and never met a stranger. She was an avid thrifter who could find treasures in places overlooked by many, and she had that same ability to see the good in others even in difficult times. To her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, she was “Granny”—a steady presence who always showed up, providing care, wisdom, love, and cookies.
Of all the things that can be said about Sarah — how she was a sure shot with a pistol, an avid card player, baked the most delicious caramel cake, a steadfast Democrat and union supporter, the best checker player in the room, and an Alabama football fan — the most lasting legacy she leaves is her generosity, compassion, and devotion to her family. She will be deeply missed.
Sarah was preceded in death by her husband of almost 70 years, Jack Crowley; her siblings, Juanita Holley, Nell Barnes, James Holley, Ann Westbrook, Jean Collier, and Joe Holley; her parents, Lonnie Pink Holley and Ethel Cash Holley; and her grandson, Shawn Satterfield. She leaves behind her beloved children, Tim Crowley (Brenda), Sonya Keith (Ronnie), and Tanya Wingate; and her grandchildren – Brandy, Jasmine, Eric, Jillian, Kasie, Craig, and Savannah. She is also survived by her much-loved nephews and nieces, 20 great grandchildren, 3 great-great grandchildren, and numerous friends.
A celebration of life will be held on Tuesday, February 18, 2025 at 1 PM in the Sadie M. Holland Memorial Chapel at Holland Funeral Directors-Tupelo. The family will receive friends from 12 PM until service time on Tuesday. For those unable to attend the service will be livestreamed at 1 PM and archived thereafter at https://www.hollandfuneraldirectors.com/live-streaming/live-streaming. Holland Funeral Directors is honored to serve their friends.
Please follow the funeral home link above for further information, or to send online condolences or memorial gifts.
