Sara "Marty" Thurmond

Sara (Marty) Lindsey Thurmond Marty Thurmond was born on February 18, 1936, in Nashville, Georgia, to John T. and Sallie Lindsey. Marty passed away on May 26 after a courageous battle with cancer and heart disease. Marty was raised in Berrien County, Georgia, on a large farm with four brothers and two sisters. She attended Valdosta State College, when on her 19th birthday, met George E. Thurmond, who was a visiting student from North Georgia College in Dahlonega, Georgia. They married in 1957 and moved to Japan, where George was stationed in the U.S. Army. While in Japan, they had a daughter, Lynn, and subsequently moved to Atlanta, Georgia, when George’s two year tour of duty ended. George took a position with Liberty Mutual Insurance Company and in 1960, a son Tom was born. As a result of a transfer, the family moved to Billerica, Massachusetts, where they lived from 1962 to 1967. George was transferred back to Atlanta, and the family moved to Tucker, Georgia, where they lived until 1987. That year, Marty and George moved to Alpharetta, Georgia, where they have resided for the past 24 years. Marty loved people and had the remarkable ability to endear herself to everyone she met. Her husband once said that she could talk to a wrong number for 30 minutes. She was known as “Aunt Marty” to both adults and children alike. She had a remarkable memory for names and dates of all she met. She also loved crossword puzzles, playing trivia, genealogy, writing and literature. She was a gifted poet. Marty was exceedingly proud of her Scottish heritage and was a life member of Clan Lindsay, USA. She made several trips to Scotland where she met and established close friendships with the head of Clan Lindsay (Scotland), the Earl of Crawford and Balcarres and his family. In 2009, Marty was invited to attend a session of the International Gathering of Scottish Clans who convened for the first time in 200 years, meeting in the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh, Scotland. As he was not able to attend, Lord Crawford asked Marty to represent him at the convocation along with the Earl’s cousin, Lord Lindsay. Marty’s courage, as she battled illness, was a reflection of the Clan Lindsay motto, “Endure Forte,” meaning, “endure with strength.” She received cards, letters, flowers and prayers from around the country, Scotland and England. Marty published the Clan Lindsay newsletter, The Recorder, for over 15 years and was extremely proud of her work. Marty was also a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution (George is a member of the Sons of the American Revolution) and the Daughters of Indian Wars. She spent the later part of her life attending Scottish festivals, as well as SAR and DAR events all over the United States. Marty, draped in Lindsay tartan, could be found at many Scottish festivals, visiting with other Scots near the Lindsay tent. Marty and George have been long-time members of the Roswell Presbyterian Church. Marty is survived by her loving husband of 55 years, George E. Thurmond, her daughter Lynn Kozlosky, of Snellville, Georgia; her son, Thomas E. Thurmond, of Marietta, Georgia; her sister, Anne Alexander, of Roswell, Georgia; and her brother, J.T. (Red) Lindsey, of Cornelia, Georgia; as well as dozens of nieces, nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews. Contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or to North Georgia College & State University online giving at www.northgeorgia.org/giving Remains will be interred at the Georgia National Cemetery privately with family members. A memorial celebration of her life will be held at the Roswell Presbyterian Church on Wednesday, May 30 at 10 a.m.

Sara "Marty" Thurmond

February 18, 1936 - May 26, 2012