Sarah Ward Gill Giddings, born July 26, 1927 to the late James William Gill and Sarah McWilliams, passed away peacefully in her home on Monday, October 25, 2021 at Lake Hartwell, surrounded by her loved ones. She was 94 years old.

A devoted sister, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, Sarah was born in Jacksonville, FL, where her love for music led her to the University of Florida. She received her BA in Music, and began playing in churches, which she continued for her entire life. Sarah also became a life-long music teacher, offering piano lessons from her homes in Athens, Decatur, and Hartwell. Remembered as a loving mother and caregiver, Sarah encouraged her children and, later her grandchildren, in their musical interests and endeavors. Cherished family memories include sing-alongs while "Grandmama Sarah" played joyfully at her piano.

Sarah's greatest joy was spending time with her family and her beloved pup, Gigi. Her easy smile would light up a room; she was quick-witted, strong-willed, spirited, and had a great zest for life. She loved eating out and meeting new people, and could strike up a conversation with most anyone! Sarah was a member of Hartwell First United Methodist Church and faithfully served as organist and pianist. She led the church's Morning prayer group and a past president of the Hart County Habitat for Humanity.

Sarah is survived by her two sons Dr. Paul W. Giddings (Robin) of Greenville, SC, and Stephen J. Giddings of Hartwell; one brother, James "Jim" Gill Jr. of Keystone Heights, FL; three granddaughters, Dr. Allison Bowman Jackson (Mark), Sarah Brownlee Sarton (Nick), Mary Winter Dunlap (Ivan); and six great grandchildren, Eleanor (12), Jack (8), Bowman (6), Griffin (4), Wills (1), and Cross (5 months).
The family is grateful for the care given to Sarah by Amedisys Hospice during the last weeks of her life, and also to the special care givers from Amedisys Home Health. Your love and care helped to ease her pain and ours, as well.

The family will receive friends on Thursday morning, October 28, 2021 in the Sanctuary of the Hartwell First United Methodist Church from 9:45 am to 10:45 am. with a funeral service, led by Dr. R. Allen Stewart, to follow.A private burial will follow at the Nancy Hart Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Hartwell First United Methodist Church Music Department, 200 E. Howell St, Hartwell, GA 30643, or the Hart Co. Habitat for Humanity, P.O. Box 146, Hartwell, GA 30643.

The Strickland Funeral Home of Hartwell is in charge of all arrangements.