Sarah Margaret Zbinden Coley of Uniontown, AL won her fight and went to live with Jesus on August, 17, 2023. She was born on July 9, 1949 as the second of six girls to George Louis and Sarah Jayne Worthy Zbinden. Growing up as a preacher’s child, Sarah had the opportunity to accept Christ at an early age, and she and her sisters often sang together when her daddy preached. Sarah continued to use her gift of singing throughout her life.
Sarah graduated from Phillips High School, Birmingham, Alabama, in 1967; and Judson College, Marion, Alabama, in 1971, where she met her husband and made lifelong friends (Righteous and Rowdy). She later went back to school and obtained a degree as a Registered Nurse.
Early in their marriage Sarah and Glynward moved frequently around the state for his construction work. They later settled in Pinson, Alabama, where they raised their children and were active members of First Baptist Church Pinson. Sarah served in the children’s ministry by leading GA’s, children’s choir and Sunday School.
Sarah worked many years at Medical Center East hospital, ministering to patients and their families. They returned to Glynward ‘s beloved Perry County in 2007, where they lived surrounded by their children – being able to enjoy their grandchildren with all their school and church activities. They were faithful members of Siloam Baptist Church. Sarah also enjoyed her Bunco group even when she couldn’t see the dice.
Although Sarah faced many health challenges through the years, she fought the good fight with a smile on her face, with – as she said, “the occasional pity party.” She had a feisty spirit with a servant’s heart. She could put you in your place and then cook you a great dinner.
In addition to her parents and in-laws, Sarah was welcomed to heaven by her sister, Beth, her niece and nephew, Nan and Casey; and beloved friends Lola and Travis Calton. Sarah is survived by her husband of 50 years, Glynward Coley; her daughter, Brandy Coley Roye (Keith); son Glynward Sage Coley (Jessica); and Tyne Zbinden-Coley Olkie (Tim); her grandchildren: Kalton (Gracie), Karsyn , and Koley Roye; Willow Sage, Briar, and Wrenn Coley; and Ella Jayne, Jonah, and Elizabeth (Baby) Olkie. She is also survived by her sisters Anne Cassady, Celia Griffin (Charlie), Zolinda Cochran (Mike), and Gina Blankenship (Bill), as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation was held Monday, August 21, from 4:00 to 6:00 pm followed by a memorial service at Siloam Baptist Church in Marion, Alabama. Local arrangements were handled by Kirk Funeral Homes, Marion Chapel. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to Marion Veterinary Clinic or Hospice of West Alabama.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to Dr. Laura Lishman, who was not only her physician but her family, and the staff of Cahaba Medical of Marion/ Bibb County, Kimberly Milner and Hale County Home Health, as well as the medical staffs at DCH Hospital and Hospice of West Alabama.
“Weeping may endure for the night, but joy comes in the morning.” Psalms 30:5
