Obituary published on Legacy.com by Colonial Funeral Home & Crematory - Phenix City on May 12, 2025.
Sara Jane Likens, aged 81, passed away peacefully on May 10, 2025, in her beloved home in 
Phenix City, Alabama. Born on May 22, 1943, Sara's life was a testament to the power of kindness, the warmth of family, and the joy of simple pleasures.
Sara dedicated her life to her family as a homemaker, creating a nurturing environment where love and care were ever-present. She was the cherished matriarch who brought everyone together, and her presence will be profoundly missed. Sara was a beacon of love and the glue that held her family together through thick and thin.
Sara is lovingly remembered by her family, including her four children, John McCabe (Sheereen), Charlotte Gray, Nancy McCabe and Susan Stern. She was a proud grandmother to her grandchildren, Victoria Dunaway (Sean), Andrew Langford (Amy), Alexandra Anderson (Steven), Michael McCabe, Jesse Thompson, Sean Gray, and Kayla Gray who brought immense joy to her life. Sara's legacy also lives on through her great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren, who were the light of her later years. Her sister, Anna Littleton, along with her dear friends, Deborah and Thomas Contway, will also hold Sara's memory close to their hearts.
Sara was preceded in death by her husbands, Donald McCabe and Charles Likens, which brought great sorrow to her life. She also faced the loss of her grandchild, Shane Thompson, and her mother, Rose Helms, with grace and strength. Her siblings, Thomas Helms, Paul Helms, and Ola "Tippy" Nelson, passed before her, and she cherished their memories.
Sara's interests were a reflection of her vibrant spirit. She was an avid fan of the 90's Braves and could be found cheering on her favorite team during their games. Her love for 90's country music and Elvis was well-known, often filling her home with the tunes she adored. Gardening was not just a hobby but a passion for Sara, as she found solace and joy in nurturing her plants and flowers. Her love for being outside was evident in the beautiful oasis she created around her home.
Her cat, Figaro, was her constant companion, sharing in her outgoing and friendly nature. Sara's kindness and endearing personality made her beloved by all who knew her. She was the epitome of someone who was genuinely kind and loving.
A service to celebrate Sara's life will be held at Colonial Funeral Home on Friday, May 16, at 11 AM, with her grandson, Rev. Andrew Langford, officiating. It will be an opportunity for those who knew and loved her to gather and share memories of a life well-lived.
Sara Jane Likens will be remembered as a loving, kind, and endearing soul. Her impact on the world was one of gentle grace and unwavering affection. Her family will continue to honor her legacy by living out the values she instilled in them-love, kindness, and the importance of family.
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