Sarah Norman Meek

COLUMBIA – Sarah Elizabeth Norman Meek, 93, passed away on February 9, 2021. Sarah was born in Fort Mill, SC on June 21, 1927 to Bessie Ellen McCorkle and Wilson N. Norman. Sarah’s birth order was in the middle of a very large family. Her friends and family remember her as a spunky, independent, and pragmatic optimist even up until her death.

Sarah graduated from the York County Hospital School of Nursing in 1948. She was a Head Nurse at Mary Black Hospital in Spartanburg and Chester County Hospital, and a Public Health Nurse with DHEC for over 20 years, both in Chester and Columbia.

Sarah met the love of her life, Philip, while she was in nursing school. They married in 1948, the same year she graduated from nursing school and Philip graduated from the SC Highway Patrol School. Due to Philip’s job, they transferred to several towns in South Carolina, and made many dear friends along the way. Their longest stay was in Chester (18 years) where their two daughters grew up. Sarah and Philip moved to Columbia when he was promoted, and eventually became the Commander of the State Highway Patrol.

Before Philip’s death at age 95, they had many wonderful adventures together visiting all 50 states and 23 countries. Sarah was known for her many talents and hobbies, such as birdwatching, art, flower arranging, basket making, and quilting (one quilt winning First Prize in the State Fair). Sarah loved history and was an avid reader. She believed you were never too old to improve your mind. You could always find her with a book in hand or watching a historical documentary. She enjoyed time spent with the members of her Bethel Methodist Sunday school “Joy” class. She enjoyed playing bridge each week with a wonderful group of her friends. She adored and treasured the friendship of her neighbors who were always there for her and offered loving assistance with whatever she needed (The Nadel’s, The Warren’s, and the Tomihero’s). In addition, Sarah was so grateful to the Forest Acres Police Department who checked on her on a daily basis.

Because Sarah had such an independent streak, she insisted on living at home, but obtained the services of Patricia Home Care for just “a little” assistance. She loved the ladies who helped her with daily tasks during these years, especially, Ms. Pat, Ollie, Tahjaih and Kim. It was no surprise that Sarah became very close to these ladies.

Sarah cherished her family, her two daughters and their spouses (Jane Meek Armstrong (Bill), of Rock Hill, SC, and Peggy Meek Potts (Charles) of Mt. Pleasant, SC), her three grandchildren, (William Meek Armstrong (Lacey) of Fort Mill, SC, John Philip Armstrong of Folly Beach, SC, and Sarah Potts Helms (Daniel) of Little Mountain, SC), and her great grandchildren. Her family will always remember Sarah’s strength of character, her outlook on life, and her unconditional love. As her grandchildren always told her, they will love her forever “to the moon and back!”

A private family ceremony will be held for Sarah. Her ashes will be interred at Bethel United Methodist Church Memorial Garden, Columbia, SC.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in honor of her beloved Joy Sunday School Class, Bethel United Methodist Church, 4600 Daniel Dr., Columbia, SC 29206, or to plant memorial trees in Sarah’s memory, please visit https://www.alivingtribute.org/

Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel, is assisting the family. Memories may be shared at www.dunbarfunerals.com