Sara Elledge Madden-Morris

Sara Elledge Madden Morris

After a courageous twenty-year battle with cancer, Sara Elledge Madden Morris of Dawsonville, Georgia, went to her eternal home on November 26, 2023 surrounded by her loved ones in Atlanta, Georgia. Born on December 1, 1935, she was just a few days shy of her eighty-eighth birthday.

Sara was born in Ware Shoals, South Carolina, the eldest daughter of Thelma and John Henry Elledge. She cared for her younger sister, Louise, and her brother, Melvin, while her parents diligently worked at a local textile manufacturer. She attended Ware Shoals High School, where she met her first love, William Lewis Madden, marrying him shortly after graduation. While Lewis finished his education at Clemson College, Sara worked as an administrator.

Lewis contributed to the textile industry by establishing Madden, Inc. in Greenville, South Carolina. While he worked, Sara lovingly raised their only son, John Lewis Madden, and expanded her career as a real estate agent and interior designer. Sadly, Lewis passed away at the young age of 52.

About six years later, Sara attended dancing lessons where she met Fred Parks Morris, the second love of her life. Their sweet thirty-year marriage began in the beautiful setting of Pretty Place in Cleveland, South Carolina. For the last decade, they settled in amongst the serenity and beauty of God's creation at Fred's beloved lake house at Lake Lanier in Georgia.

Through the years, Sara supported Fred as he ran his company, ADI, and she loved accompanying him on client calls across the southeast. When she was diagnosed with cancer two decades ago, Fred stood by her side each day, attending to her every need, supporting her through treatments, and praying over her during doctor's visits and hospital stays.

Aside from her devotion to family, Sara held two other passions. Her first was her faith in Jesus which led her to actively participate in Sunday school classes, bible studies, small groups and worship at First Presbyterian Church in Greenville, South Carolina; Peachtree Presbyterian Church in Atlanta, Georgia; and Browns Bridge Church in Cumming, Georgia. Even during her last years of battling cancer, she remained committed to weekly Bible studies via Zoom. Her bible, bible study books and devotionals were filled with handwritten notes demonstrating her dedication to learning and growing in her faith each day.

Her second passion was for the Clemson Tigers. Sara attended their football games and in her later years, she could be found watching the games at home or even in her hospital room. She supported the IPTAY program annually, even endowing a Clemson football scholarship to bolster her favorite team.

She leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, steadfastness, courage, and strength, survived by her beloved husband, Fred Morris of Dawsonville, GA, her son and daughter-in-law, Dr. Jay and Rebecca Madden of Atlanta, GA, and cherished grandchildren: Neale Madden of Atlanta, GA, and William Madden of San Jose, Costa Rica. Additionally, she is survived by Fred Morris' children and their families: Adam and Dora Morris of Bokeelia, FL; Chris and Doreen Morris of Coppell, TX; and Taylor and Pete Metzger of Charleston, SC.

She is also survived by her dear sister, Louise Thomas, brother Melvin Elledge and his wife, Freida, and sister-in-law, Johnelle Burley. She is preceded in death by her brother, Bob Madden, her first husband, Lewis Madden, and her grandson, Brock Madden.

The family expresses deep gratitude to the Emory University multiple myeloma care team for their unwavering support over the past two decades. Special thanks to Dr. Ajay Nooka, Joel Andrews PA, and the teams at Emory Hospital for their compassionate care. They also extend their heartfelt appreciation for the prayers and kind thoughts received from many along the way.

In lieu of food and flowers, contributions may be made to Peachtree Presbyterian Church, Attention: Nancy Ike, 3434 Roswell Road NW, Atlanta, GA 30305, to support the funding of the Malawi student sponsorship program.

A visitation will be held on Friday, December 1, 2023, from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM at A.S. Turner and Sons Funeral Home, 2773 N Decatur Rd, Decatur, GA 30033, followed by the funeral at 12:00 PM at the same location.