Maude Sarah (Peacock) Gills

Maude Sarah Gills, 94 of Fayetteville, North Carolina passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 5, 2017 at the home of her daughter. Sarah was preceded in death by her parents Katherine and Samuel Peacock of Northern Ireland. Sarah was one of 13 children and was preceded in death by 11 siblings.

Sarah was born in Ballymena, Northern Ireland on January 23, 1923. She was a GI War bride who came over on one of the first ships into New York Harbor in 1946 (a story she loved to share often). Shortly after her arrival in the United States, she was blessed with the birth of her son Jesse Eugene Ward. She divorced her first husband and Sarah and her son Jesse moved to Mobile, Alabama, where Sarah took care of her son Jesse as a single mother for many years. She was a true example of a hard-working dedicated woman, she was a provider, and she was a wonderful mother.

During her time in mobile, she met the love of her life George Higdon Gills, and they were married in 1960. They were blessed with the birth of their daughter, Anita Marie in 1961. George served in the Air Force and Sarah served as a military wife until his retirement in 1977, traveling in the United States with him and their two children. George and Sarah moved to Fayetteville, NC in 1973. Sarah quickly became involved in the Fayetteville Church of the Nazarene, and has been a dedicated member there for 44 years. She often served as Mission Body President, cleaned the church building, and served in the nursery. She was famous in the church for her banana pudding, and took great pride in it always being the most sought-after item at the annual “Pies for Pops” event. If you knew Sarah, you knew her banana pudding!

Sarah was a Godly wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She was blessed with 94 healthy, happy, and joyous years on this Earth. She loved nothing more than to be around her family, friends, and her dear church family. She truly shined the light of Christ in this world and is able to rest peacefully now in the presence of her Lord and savior.

Sarah is survived by her husband of 57 years; George Gills of Fayetteville, NC, Son; Jesse Eugene ward of Decatur, Alabama, Daughter & Son-in-law; Anita and Glenn Whitt of Fayetteville, NC, Sister; Viola Attridge of Northern Ireland, Grandson; Jesse “Earnest” Ward of Decatur, Alabama, Grandson Austin Edward Ward of Decatur, Alabama, Granddaughter; Sarah Renee Ward of Hartselle, Alabama, Granddaughter; Christina Elizabeth Dollar of Bristol, Tennessee, Granddaughter; Jessica Michelle Wood of Fayetteville, NC, and four great-grandchildren.

Sarah will be dearly missed by her loved ones, but her legacy and memories will live on forever with her family and friends.

Visitation will be held at The Fayetteville Church of the Nazarene, 1844 Rayconda Place, Fayetteville, NC 28304 on Friday from 6 p.m. to 8 pm. A funeral service will be held at The Fayetteville Church of the Nazarene on Saturday at 2:00 p.m. Interment will be private.

Condolences for the family may be left at www.LaFayetteFH.com

Services for the family are entrusted to LaFayette Funeral Home.