Honoring Sarah Davis

A “walking commercial” for Philoptochos and her Columbia, SC community is how soon-to-be ninety years young Sarah Davis likes to describe herself. Her marvelous smile and warm enthusiastic voice capture her “fabulous life full of loving family and friends,” and she “means every word of it!”

On June 24th at the 2015 Metropolis of Atlanta Philoptochos Luncheon held in Columbia, Sarah was recognized for her many years of devoted philanthropic service. She was “overwhelmed, thrilled, and honored” and simply explained, “That wasn’t work. I did things I loved in Philoptochos.”

“Sarah’s love for Philoptochos started when her mother took her to her first meeting in 1946 at St. Katherine’s. Soon after Fr. Spiropoulos appointed Sarah as the special ”English” secretary since the meetings were held in Greek and an English translation was needed.”

Sarah’s love for Philoptochos started when her mother took her to her first meeting in 1946 at St. Katherine’s. Soon after Fr. Spiropoulos appointed Sarah as the special “English” secretary since the meetings were held in Greek and an English translation was needed. Among her many outreach efforts, Sarah faithfully drove a bus once a week shuttling mental patients to and from Craft Farrow Hospital. She volunteered in the spirit of Philoptochos as a Pink Lady at the local general hospital. She also sang in the church choir, served as GOYA advisor and taught Sunday School. For many years Sarah helped to bake pastries and manage a special pastry booth at the Columbia church festival, one of the largest Greek festivals in the Southeast.

From her first role as “English Secretary” Sarah’s leadership was clearly evident and she went on to hold various chapter offices and committee chairs. Her commitment to philanthropy and her leadership skills were cited in 1972 when Sarah was chosen as the beloved Philoptochos President of the Atlanta District. She served as president from 1973-1975 and traveled the country attending National meetings and overseeing the expansion of southeastern chapters. In her travels, she met “so many really wonderful friends.”

Sarah credits her parents who emigrated from Greece and the parish priests of St. Katherine’s for her strong Orthodox background. She credits a very loving husband and understanding children who always were supportive in her many volunteer efforts and “made it easy” to do what was needed.

Sarah and her husband raised their two children in Columbia. Her daughter currently lives in Greenville, SC and her son in Amelia Island, FL. Several grandchildren and great grandchildren fill Sarah’s heart with love and joy. Her love of family, her admiration for her church community and her long-standing compassionate commitment as a “friend of the poor” truly makes Sarah a Philoptochos legacy.

Marty Driscoll