Sara Bailey

Cowpens, SC - - Sara Colleen Lowrance Bailey, 98, of Cowpens joined her husband for worship in the presence of the Lord this past Sunday morning, March 8, 2026.

Born in Forest City, NC, she was the widow of the late Robert Ransom Bailey, Sr. and daughter of the late Colin C. and Ada Hill Lowrance of Forest City, NC.

She worked in Forest City as a banking associate before marriage, and after raising her children, she worked in Spartanburg School District 3 as a substitute teacher, library assistant, and front office secretary.

As a homemaker, she supported her husband in his car business and successfully managed the household, bringing up three children and eventually helping care for her grandchildren. She loved her family and cherished the celebrations that brought all 25 back "home" for food and fellowship.

As a Christian, she studied, believed, and shared God's word. An active member of Cherokee Avenue Baptist Church in Gaffney, she served as a Sunday School Teacher, WMU leader, Amazing Grace Singer, and Extension Department leader. With her husband and as a widow, she supported missions endeavors locally and around the world financially and physically by taking part in mission trips. When she could no longer visit shut-ins personally, she began encouraging church members and others through a card ministry, and she continued this for many years. She was a member of the Gideons Auxiliary.

As a member of the "greatest generation," she and her husband hosted a special breakfast for WWII veterans of the USS Cowpens CVL 25 and current crewmen of the CG 63 for the annual Mighty Moo Celebration in Cowpens. She carried on with that tradition for more than 30 years.

She is survived by two sons, Robert Ransom Bailey, Jr. (Tonda) of Cowpens, Colin Lowrance Bailey (Myra) of Duncan, a daughter, Treva Ann Bailey Wagoner (Dillon) of Cowpens; six grandchildren, Cassidy Duggins (Les) of Spartanburg, Tres' Bailey (Laura) of Cowpens, Preston Bailey (Rachel) of Greenville, Hunter Freese (Matt) of Charlotte, Jessica Bigby (Edward) of Cowpens, and J.D. Wagoner (Isabelle) of Charleston; seven great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by three brothers and a sister.

These family members gratefully acknowledge the love and care extended to "Ms. Sara" by Carol, Jo, and Dee during the last year. You blessed her and her family with your wisdom, compassion, and understanding. Your dedication made it possible for mom to spend that year close to family, enjoying the home she'd spent a lifetime building.

The family will receive friends from 12:30 until 1:45 PM on Wednesday, March 11, at Cherokee Avenue Baptist Church in Gaffney, SC. The memorial service will take place there at 2:00 PM with Rev. Bobby Morrow and Rev. Clyde Thomas officiating. Graveside services will follow at the Cowpens Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to either the mission program or the music/drama program at Cherokee Avenue Baptist Church, P.O. Box 1449, Gaffney, SC 29342 or to the Gideons International, P.O. Box 1712, Gaffney, SC 29342.

The family will be at the home of Ran and Tonda Bailey.

An online guest register is available at www.blakelyfuneralhome.com

Blakely Funeral Home & Crematory, Gaffney, SC