Sally O. White

Sarah “Sally” Olliff White died peacefully surrounded by her family in Columbus, GA on May 6, 2026. 

A celebration of life will be held at St. Paul Church at 2pm on Monday, May 11, 2026 with the Reverend Doctor P. Shane Green officiating with visitation one hour before the service in the Fellowship Hall.

Sally was born in Montezuma, Georgia, on March 5, 1937, the daughter of Benjamin Cates and Sarah Saunders Olliff. A graduate of Griffin High School, she continued her education at the University of Georgia. During her time at UGA, she performed on the sidelines as a football cheerleader and was a member of Alpha Delta Pi sorority. It was at UGA that she met the love of her life, Huel Alvin White Jr.; the beginning of a partnership that would last for almost 68 years. Their glory days in Athens were just getting started!

Sally and Huel were married on July 5, 1958. They moved to Columbus, GA where they raised their two sons, Huel Alvin White III “Sonny” and Wade Cates White Sr. Sonny and Wade were the two greatest joys of Sally’s life.

Sally quickly became involved in the Columbus community where she was a member of St. Paul Church for over 50 years singing alto in the choir and serving as a member of the Soft Tones of Faith. Her faith sustained her and she studied God’s word through numerous bible studies. She continued to pray scripture over all of those whom she loved until her last days. Her prayer journal probably has your name in it!

Sally and Huel loved the Georgia Bulldogs with unmatched devotion. For more than 50 years, Athens was home on fall Saturdays, and you could count on them being there; calling the Dawgs, cheering loud, and holding court at the legendary “White’s Tailgate.” A true gameday staple, their tailgate spot welcomed thousands of friends, family, and fans through the years. The tradition they built sparked a love for UGA that spread through their entire family and to everyone lucky enough to pull up a chair.

Sally was a true artist in every sense of the word. Her hobbies included needlepoint, calligraphy, and scrapbooking, and her gifts were shared widely with others. She lovingly stitched one of the beautiful needlepoint banners hanging in the church today. Sally’s elegant handwriting and calligraphy live on in the thousands of wedding invitations she addressed over the years. A lifelong learner and avid reader, she was also a master bridge player. Sally’s love of sports was unrivaled from college football, baseball, the Olympics, golf, tennis, you name it. She stayed current on every player, event, and recruit until her last days.

She was lovingly known as Sassy to her four grandchildren - Wade, Lane, Hallie, and Mary-Martin. She poured her whole heart into being present in their lives, and there weren’t many days during their childhood when their Sassy wasn’t nearby. She never missed a baseball, football, or soccer game, dance recital, cheer competition, play, or school event. Her joy came from watching her four grands grow up, cheering them on and seeing them pave their own paths as adults. Sassy was so proud of them, and she never stopped pouring out her encouragement, love, and support.

She gave deeply personal gifts to her family and friends, thoughtfully tailored to our interests—often sharing seemingly random memorabilia that she had saved for many years. These gifts and hidden notes would often be found much later, suddenly appearing in a drawer or on a shelf at exactly the moment we needed the message they carried. It was as if she could anticipate what we might need in future seasons of life. We look forward to seeing what messages these gifts will continue to reveal moving forward.

Sally is survived by her loving husband Huel Alvin White Jr. “Buddy.” Her sons, Sonny White (Lisa) and Wade White (Lynn). Grandchildren, Wade White Jr, Lane White, Hallie White Lewis (Matt) and Mary-Martin White. Great grandchildren, Maggie and Carolyn Lewis. Sister, Beth Walker (Jimmy). She also leaves behind numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews, and friends all of whom she dearly loved.

She was predeceased by her parents; her brother, Dr. Benjamin Olliff and her sister, Lyn Glenn. The family extends their heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Daniel Asher of Piedmont Northside Hospital for his constant care, devotion, and attention to Sally and her family during her recent illness. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Paul Church or to a charity of your choice.