Sally J. Flanders

Sally Johnson Flanders, age 85, joined her heavenly family on the evening of August 15th 2016 at her new home with her daughter in Gainesville, GA. She crossed over peacefully with her family by her side. Her life was full of vigor, and all who knew her felt only love and laughter while in her presence. Sally was born in Millen, GA on March 14th, 1931 to the late Dan Johnson and Winne E. Johnson. She, along with her Momma, her late sister, Jimmie Tate, and her grandparents, moved around south GA while her grandfather, as a Methodist minister, was assigned to different churches. She loved being the granddaughter of a preacher and spoke of it fondly. Once graduating from high school in Savannah, GA, she attended Wesleyan Conservatory in Macon, GA where she graduated as a theatre and music major and met the love of her life, her handsome late husband of 62 years, Ralph Flanders. For over 50 years, they made their home in Savannah where they raised 5 children. While in Savannah, Sally touched the lives of many! She, along with her husband and children, were regulars at the Sav’h Little Theater productions both onstage and off. Her beautiful singing voice and talented acting skills had her starring in many shows, which delighted audiences for years. Her work with The Sav’h Girl Scouts, The American Cancer Society, Chatham County Board of Education, Senior Citizens Inc., & Savannah’s first retirement community, Savannah Square, had those that worked with her in awe of her organizational, volunteer management, and administrative skills. “You can count on Sally to get the job done, and done well” was a quote printed from a former employer in a Savannah Speaking magazine article about her accomplishments. Sally made her mark on Savannah’s senior community after retiring from Senior Citizens, Inc. at age 65 when she worked with the Area Coalition on Aging. She birthed a yearly program called “Senior Safari” that was a week- long event where local organizations sponsor activities at a reduced cost for seniors. It was such a hit that other states were calling her to set up the program in their area. Several years later, she and Ralph retired to Griffin, GA where they once again became involved in the arts while working alongside their son, Mitch and his wife Lori at Studio D School of Dance, and Griffin Ballet Theatre. Mrs. Flanders is survived by her children, Dan E. Flanders and his wife, Darlene of Signal Mountain, TN, her son Mark C. Flanders of Nashville, TN, her son R. Mitchell Flanders and his wife, Lori of Griffin, GA, her son Bret H. Flanders and his wife, Heather of Hawaii, and daughter, Tracey F. Small and her husband, Jim of Gainesville GA; ten grandchildren, Lauren, Ryan, Audra, Evan, Hayden, Faith, Chloe, Dylan, Maddox, and Lola Marie; five step grandchildren, Sean, Amber, Jeremy, Rachel and Ryan; and 8 great grandchildren, Landyn, Brayden, Anistyn, Madilyn, Emily, Nicholas, Scarlett, and Violett; and several nieces and nephews. During her life, Mrs. Flanders was a devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt, grandmother, and loyal friend. She will be terribly missed by those whose heart she touched. Memorial Services for Mrs. Flanders will be conducted at 6PM on Friday, August 19th 2016 in the chapel of Conner-Westbury Funeral Home in Griffin, GA. The Rev. Denel James, a loving family friend will perform the services. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Griffin Ballet Theatre, 111 N Hill Street, Griffin, GA 30223. To pay condolences online, please do so at Conner- Westbury Funeral Homes website at conner-westburyfuneralhome.com. Address is 1891 West McIntosh Road Griffin, GA 30223.

Sally J. Flanders

March 14, 1931 - August 15, 2016