Ms. Sara Joan Haygood

Ms. Sara Joan Haygood was called Home to be with God and family on April 23, 2022. Mom, or “Momma”, as we affectionately called her, was born on January 22, 1947. Mom was a long-time resident of Gadsden, Alabama. Growing up, she learned to cook when her mother and older sister, Jane, worked at a cafe. Although most of her life was spent in Gadsden, she did reside in Forest Park, Georgia, when she was a senior and graduated from Forest Park High School. Hartselle, Alabama was another city which was special to her. Her warm, inviting personality made it easy for her to meet people and would serve her well in her job opportunities. She was a valuable employee at Sandlin’s Store because her welcoming spirit brought an influx of dedicated customers. Her skills and talents would provide her with managerial positions and supervisory duties at K-Mart, Pasquale’s Pizza, and Flowers Bakery. Joan’s Cafe, established in the 1980’s, was her passion that was fulfilled. It brought together delicious food and lots of comradery. Friendly-service and tasty dishes were served with love and laughter for every order by Mom. Later in her life, she moved to Mobile to live closer to her son, Mark. As her friends and family knew, Mom possessed many talents. Cooking was among her top skills. Everyone at family gatherings coveted their tins of her famous fudge and highly-sought-after “Peanut Butter Balls.” “You never let your tin out of your possession.” She catered most family weddings, rehearsal dinners, graduations, baby showers, and family parties, all at the host’s or hostess’ request. Decorating her home was nothing short of perfection! Not only was she a neat housekeeper, but her holiday decorations (all of the major holidays) were immaculate inside her home, on her porch, and outside for the yard. Momma took great pride in keeping flowers and plants looking beautiful. Her favorite plants included “rubber” plants, scheffleras, and portulaca moss. She was detail-oriented and made plain things so beautiful! Besides cooking and decorating, she took immense pride in caring for her three children, Micheal, Mark, and Wendy. She encouraged them in their endeavors, and let them know they have a purpose in life given by God. Her special gift was prayer. Knowing the Lord and accepting Jesus, her daily routine included reading her Bible, while intercessory prayer was entwined throughout each day. While living in Gadsden, she attended Walnut Park United Methodist Church. Mom enjoyed watching Murder She Wrote, the Hallmark Channel, “monster movies,” and old westerns while eating popcorn! She was preceded in death by her parents Amy Dale Holloway and Arry Smith, and her sister Arris Jane Wisener. She was survived by her two sons Michael Dale Haygood (Peggy) and Mark Alan Haygood-Pickert (Michael), her daughter Wendy Christina Nichols (Courtland), her two sisters Cathie Eugenia Clark (Scott) and Lisa Smith, her brother, James Raymond Smith, and her grandchildren Chance Delane Haygood, Lorie-Brooke Haygood, Michael-Lake Haygood, and Wesley Dalex Haygood. To honor Mom, her pallbearers will include: Chance Haygood, Michael-Lake Haygood, Dalex Haygood, Tyler Rutledge, Stephen Layfield, and Tanner Rutledge. Village Chapel Funeral Home is in charge of the services and Judge Scott Hassell will be officiating. Visitation will be at Village Chapel on Thursday, April 28, 2022 from 6:00-8:00 PM and the funeral service will be at 1p.m. Friday, April 29, 2022 with burial following at Cave Springs Cemetery. Her smile, laughter, and kindness were precious. She will truly be missed by all who knew her. We love you so much and will see you again!

Ms. Sara Joan Haygood

January 22, 1947 - April 23, 2022