The story of Legacy Village of Cleveland resident Sarah Williams begins in Thorsby, Alabama, where she was born to Thomas and Hattie Manning and grew up alongside her sister, Mildred. Her childhood was filled with music, school plays at the Thorsby Institute, and days spent learning skills that would stay with her for a lifetime—like making cheese, a memory she still treasures.



After school and on weekends, Sarah worked at the local soda fountain, greeting neighbors and new faces with the same warmth she carries today. It was at Thorsby Institute that Sarah met Roy Williams, the young man who would become her partner in life. Roy’s family moved to Thorsby in hopes of a brighter future, and he and Sarah soon found themselves inseparable, dating throughout high school and marrying soon after graduation.

Life took Sarah and Roy to Arlington when Roy enlisted in the Army and served in the Military Police. When his service ended, they returned to Alabama, where Roy began a long career as an electrical engineer, dedicating forty years to his craft. Sarah devoted herself to creating a loving home. Roy built their family house with his own hands, and Sarah filled it with kindness, laughter, and the scent of her famous homemade salsa, made from the vegetables Roy grew in their garden.

Faith was at the heart of their family. Sarah and Roy were devoted members of 5th Ave Baptist Church, where Sarah sang in the choir, helped with Bible school, and served on the benevolence committee. Their partnership lasted seventy years until Roy’s passing, and two years later, Sarah moved to Tennessee to be closer to family.

Sarah and Roy raised three children: David (Michelle), Sherry (John), and Don (Donna). She loved supporting her children in every activity, from football and cheerleading to dance and Boy Scouts. The family tree continued to flourish, and Sarah is now surrounded by seven grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. Among her most cherished memories are the days she watched her grandchildren ride the tractor with Roy, laughter ringing out across the yard.

Sarah’s talents extended to sewing clothes for her children, making drapes for their home, and searching for treasures while antiquing. Holidays were always a highlight, not for the decorations or gifts, but for the chance to gather everyone close. Sarah once reflected that she lived a simple life, but it was one filled with love and happiness, every single day.

Today, Sarah finds joy in reading, playing bingo, doing word searches, and making new friends at Legacy Village. Her warmth and kindness have found a new home here, and we are grateful every day that she chose to be part of our community.