Sadie McGraw Presley

Sadie McGraw Presley, affectionately known as "Mama Sadie" by her loved ones, passed away peacefully in Dothan, Alabama, after an extended illness on a date that marked the end of a life rich in love, spirit, and faith. Born on February 20, 1932, in the close-knit community of Evergreen, Alabama, Sadie's journey was one that inspired all who were blessed to know her.

Sadie's early years in Evergreen laid the foundation for a life characterized by resilience and dedication. She was one of 14 siblings and was raised on the family farm where her values were shaped. Her education, though rooted in the simplicity of her hometown, blossomed into a life-long pursuit of knowledge and self-improvement, which she later passed on to her children and grandchildren. After moving from Evergreen, Sadie's indomitable spirit led her to a successful career. She began by selling encyclopedias to provide for her family, a testament to her tenacity and entrepreneurial spirit. In 1975, Sadie commenced her illustrious career as a rooky realtor, which was a stepping stone to her 40-year tenure with Presley Realty Company in Huntsville, Alabama.

Sadie was a pillar of strength, raising her family single-handedly with a toughness and fortitude that was matched only by her immense love and care. She was a Godly woman whose faith was woven into the very fabric of her being. She was a lifelong member of IPHC, she spoke at numerous churches, women's conferences, and prayer conferences, and she participated in mission trips and supported foreign missions, Sadie's spirited and faith-filled words left an indelible mark on her community. She initiated a prayer group at her church, Cornerstone Church, touching many lives with her passion and dedication to her faith.

A woman of varied interests, Sadie's presence was larger than life. Her grandchildren knew her as a woman who balanced femininity with the ability to keep pace with anyone, regardless of the challenge. With a great sense of humor and a touch of sarcasm, she could light up a room and simultaneously command respect. Sadie's favorite hobby, fishing, was a joyous reflection of her philosophy that nothing was too small to keep—a metaphor for her appreciation of life's simple pleasures. Her love for gardening was yet another expression of her nurturing soul, and through it, she cultivated not just plants but also the growth and flourishing of her family.

Sadie's unwavering spirit was evident in her later years, even as her tough exterior softened through her illness. She remained strong-willed, yet her caring and loving nature shone through ever more brightly. Her legacy is carried on by her three devoted sons, Harold G. Presley (Kathleen), Peter J. Presley (Robin), and A. Todd Presley (Stephanie); her loving daughter, Lynn deVries (Ken); her cherished grandchildren, of whom there are fourteen; and her adoring great-grandchildren, a delightful group of twenty-four. Sadie is also survived by her brother, Joel S. McGraw, her sister, Bernardine Williams, and several nieces and nephews, all of whom she held dear.

Sadie was preceded in death by her daughter, Lydia Presley.

Robert and Toni Byrd · Sunset Memorial Park

1700 Barrington Rd, Midland City AL · (334) 983-6604