Sarah Arthur

Sarah Dedman Arthur passed away peacefully Sunday 9/6/2020. A native of Birmingham, she was born 12/11/1931. She was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas Howard and Jewel Lyle Dedman. Her husband of 66 years, Ernest William Arthur passed away 2/3/2017. She is survived by her beloved son and daughter-in-love, Keith and Allyson Arthur of Marietta, GA. Her daughter and angel of mercy, Denise Arthur Knight and son-in-law, Robert of Birmingham, AL. Four grandchildren who gave her endless years of love, fun and new experiences. Sharing their accomplishments gave her a deep sense of pride. And 2 sweet precious great-granddaughters who were music to her ears hollering “hey GiGi” as they came through her door. Patrick Arthur Howland (Jessica) of Pelham, Megan Kathryn Therrien (Josh) of Birmingham, Emily Elizabeth Armantrout (RJ) of Kennesaw GA and Michael Thomas Arthur of O’Fallon, IL. Adalynn Grace and Charlotte Elise Howland of Pelham. And her “yankee” son, Michael Buonauro (Barbara) of Wilmington NC.  She is also survived by the family of her deceased brother-in-law, Edward Arthur. His widow Emerson Arthur and nieces Wanda King, Sherry McCay and nephew Alan Arthur. After graduating from Woodlawn High School, she attended Howard College where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree. She was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma, an educator’s sorority. She attended Samford University as a post graduate student then earned her Master’s in Education from East Carolina University. She taught in the Birmingham City School System as well as Marine Corps Base, Camp Lejeune Dependent Schools.  Always the teacher, she was ready at any moment to be the sounding board when any of the grandchildren needed to bounce ideas for a paper they were writing or finding just the right word to make the sentence “pop”. She reminded the girls the importance of always having just the right outfit and accessories and the boys the importance of always being a gentleman. She loved reading, especially mysteries or historical novels. She loved jewelry and antiques, but it was her plants and animals that gave her hours of pleasure. Watching the hummingbirds out her window or the countless cats that called her back deck a home, she loved nature. She was a proud Marine Corps wife and mother, and she did not mind telling anyone that her greatest sense of pride and joy was her family. She was a member of East Lake United Methodist Church. She was interred in a small, private family service with Rev. Sally Alloca offering prayers. A memorial will be held in October, with location and time to be announced at a later date. The family asks that if you wish to honor Sarah, please donate to your favorite animal/nature or veterans’ charity. The family wishes to express how much the many prayers and condolences we have received have meant to each of us.