Mrs. Sara Payne Bannister, 81, of Elberton Hwy, Hartwell, died Friday, October 10, 2014 at Athens Regional Medical Center.

Born on January 14, 1933 in Hartwell GA, she was the daughter of the late Norman Payne and Mabel Sanders Payne.She was co-owner of Bannister Skating Rink and a homemaker.Mrs. Bannister was a member of the Cedar Creek Baptist Church and former church secretary.

Survivors include her two daughters: Lynne B. Skelton and husband Larry of Hartwell and Suzette Bannister of Atlanta; four grandchildren: Brad Skelton and wife Jessica, Clare S. Clifton and husband Rusty, Morgan Booker and Oliver Booker, four great grandchildren: Lucus Skelton, Russell Clifton, Sarah Paige Clifton, and Charlie Clifton; two brothers: Carey Payne of Kennesaw and Tribble Payne of Hartwell; a sister: Betty Ann Lunsford of Hartwell also survives.Mrs. Bannister was preceded in death by her parents; her husband: Dock Wade "Junior" Bannister Jr and two brothers: Harry J. Payne and Jerry B. Payne.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, October 12 at 3:00 p.m. in the Chapel of the Strickland Funeral Home of Hartwell with Rev. Ken Brewer, Rev. Doug Brown and Rev. Kathleen Deegan-Neal officiating.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. prior to the service.The family is at their respective homes.In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Abundant Life Baptist Church, PO Box 237, Hartwell GA 30643; Cedar Creek Baptist Church, 3285 Elberton Hwy, Hartwell GA 30643 or Liberty Hill United Methodist Church, PO Box 754, Hartwell GA 30643.