Sara Wages Arnold

Sara was born on September 29, 1930, in Athens, Georgia to the late Buster and Annie Mae Wages. She was an honor graduate of University Demonstration High School and as a result, began the University of Georgia at the young age of 15.

In 1947, she met Albert Arnold, at a softball game and they were married a year later. Together, they opened The Lucky Wishbone Drive-In on Baxter Street in the late 1950’s until the mid-1960’s.They were married 32 years until his death in 1980.

After his passing, Sara had a long career in retail. With her love of people and helping others, she worked at Corner Cupboard Crafts, teaching needlepoint and decoupage. She worked at Foster’s Jewelers for more 20 years, as a bridal consult, where she assisted many brides with planning their weddings. She later worked at Kimberly’s Jewelers, where she enjoyed working with home decor and jewelry.

Sara was also involved in many activities outside of work. She was one of eight founding members of Town and Country Garden Club, where she loved sharing her knowledge of horticulture and all things green. Her dedication to the club was endless and the members enjoyed her “horticulture minute” at each meeting. Sara was a life member of the Garden Club of Georgia. She enjoyed participating in flower shows across the state. One of her biggest accomplishments was winning State and National awards in the Garden Club Council flower show. She was also a national accredited flower show judge and a member of the North Georgia Judges Council.

Sara was a longtime member of St. James Methodist Church, then transferred her membership to Athens First United Methodist Church.

Her greatest joy was spending time with her family. She was a devoted mother to Nita and Grandmother to her grandsons, Bucky and Matt. She loved going to every sporting event that her “boys” were ever involved in playing. She traveled the state watching numerous baseball and football games. “Grandmother”, as they called her, was their biggest fan. Sara was a mother figure to many of those who knew and loved her.

She is survived by her daughter, Nita Woodruff McDonald and her husband Bill, her grandsons, Bucky Woodruff and his wife, Ashleigh and Matt Woodruff and his wife Abbey; her four great-grandchildren, Ward, Wally, Walt and Campbell. A very special thank you to the nurses and staff of Highland Hills Village that helped with Sara’s care.

The family will receive visitors on Sunday, April 2, from 1:00-2:00 p.m., at Bernstein Funeral Home.

A celebration of life will be held at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel of Bernstein Funeral Home. The family will host a reception at their home after the service.

Memorial contributions may be made to Athens Academy or St. Mary’s Highland Hills Village.

Bernstein Funeral Home is in charge of funeral arrangements.