Sally Stout Garner

Sally Stout Garner, a loving and adventurous woman of deep faith, passed away peacefully in Hayesville, North Carolina on July 16, 2023. Born on March 18, 1928, in Columbus, Ohio, Sally led a life rich with service, creativity, and enduring love for her family and community.

Sally was a devoted wife and mother. Her love and attention for her family was never interrupted or distracted by her many interests. This is evident by the closeness of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Sally is survived by her three children, Charlotte Annharrow Garner Purvis (Dennis) of Nicholson, GA, Albert Erly Garner III (Julie) of Hayesville, NC, and Julia Camille Garner Schreiber (Jerome) of Brasstown, NC. She was a cherished grandmother to 17 grandchildren, Chad Williams (Christy), Julia Ann Dinkins, Elizabeth Gore (Aaron), Alan Purvis (Liz), Hope Shirley (Ben), Cecelia Crane (Tyler), Vivian Hall (Carson), Sarah Cook, Joe F Garner III (Amy), Michael Garner (Julie), David Garner (Jackie), Liam Garner, Lane Palmer (Billy), Sally Hayes (Andy), James Schreiber (Nataliya); Step-grandchild, Katie Hanwell; and a doting great-grandmother to 24 great-grandchildren, Celia Williams, Charlie Williams, Catherine Gore, Caroline Gore, Jack Gore, Adeline Purvis, Miles Purvis, Olivia Shirley, James Shirley, Titus Shirley, Abigail Shirley, Bex Crane, Boston Crane, Amelia Hall, Connor Cook, Oliver Cook, John David Cook, Joe F. Garner IV, Heidi Garner, Frances Garner, Finley Garner, Drew Garner, Finley Lowe, Fletcher Palmer, Isabel Hayes, Emmett Hayes, Zachary Hayes; with one great-great-grandchild, Jonathan Gore. She is preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Edna Stout; sister, Judy Stout; son Joe Francis Garner, II; and granddaughter Amelia Purvis.

Sally's educational journey began in her childhood hometown of St. Marys, Ohio, and led her to Wheelock College in Boston, MA, where she majored in special education. Her talent as a writer was recognized when she penned a children's book during her college years. This achievement caught the attention of Dr. Joe F. Garner, who began corresponding with her from his military station in China. Their correspondence blossomed into love, and they married in 1948 in Decatur, Indiana.

Sally's dedication to service and her adventurous spirit shone in her professional life. She was a founding member and first president of the Women's Medical Auxiliary and even earned her pilot's license, often co-piloting a Fairchild plane with her husband. Her commitment to the vulnerable, the helpless, and the disabled was evident in her work with the Boston Blind Babies Nursery and the Augusta and Dothan Associations for Retarded Children. Sally also founded and presided over Parents Anonymous, a child abuse treatment and prevention program.

Horses and music were two of Sally's greatest passions. An accomplished equestrian, she taught dressage horseback riding at a camp in Terre Haute, Indiana, and won several riding and showing trophies. Musically gifted, Sally played the piano, organ, cello, and later in life, the harp. She attended the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music. She was a charter member of the South Alabama Symphony Association, played the organ for her church for many years, and was integral in starting the music program at Houston Academy in Dothan, AL.

Sally's strong spiritual convictions guided her throughout her life. She was a founding member of The First Church of Christ Scientist in Dothan, AL and later became an active member of St Matthias Anglican Church in Dothan, AL, and Christ the King Anglican Church in Hiawassee, GA.

Above all, Sally was a devoted wife and mother whose love for her family was paramount. Her legacy of love, adventure, and faith will continue to inspire and guide her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren in the years to come. She will be dearly missed and forever remembered as a beacon of strength, compassion, and love.

Robert and Toni Byrd · Sunset Memorial Park

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