Elizabeth Sarah Nell Drake Loyd

Mrs. Elizabeth Sarah Nell Drake Loyd, 81, of Bowman, wife of 62 years to the late John ‘Hewell’ Loyd, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 13, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family.

The eighth of twelve children, Sarah was born in Madison County on July 18, 1943, to Loyd Joe Drake and Lizzie Belle Parham Drake. A hardworking woman, she held many jobs throughout the years; working for many years at Oxford Manufacturing in Bowman, worked for the Internal Revenue Service, and retired from Southeastern Power Administration.

Sarah loved the Lord and loved worshiping with her church family. She started her relationship with Lord as a small child at Vineyards Creek Baptist Church in Comer and continued that relationship at Faith Baptist Church in Bowman. In her later years, Sarah enjoyed fellowshipping with the Widow’s Ministry at Deep Creek Baptist Church.

She loved being outdoors, camping, and spending time at the lake. Many special memories were made at the Elbert County Fish and Game Club on Clarks Hill Lake - pontooning, jet skiing, and water skiing just to name a few. In her spare time, she enjoyed reading, cross stitching, and flower gardening. She enjoyed playing bingo at the Elbert County Senior Center, but above all she loved her family and helping others.

Surviving are her daughters: Cynthia Johanson and her husband Sammy of Bowman and Stephanie Loyd of Colbert; grandchildren: Christina Johanson Davis and her husband Jeff, Kyle Johanson and his wife Grace, Jaxon Marchman, and Regan Loyd; siblings: Dorothy Scoggins, Emory Thomas Drake, Donald Drake, Steve Drake, and Brenda Loyd; and a host nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

Along with her husband and parents, she is preceded in death by her siblings: L.G. Drake, Larry Drake, Barry Drake, Betty Johnson, Peggy Jean Drake, and an infant brother.

Sarah’s family will receive friends on Thursday, June 19, from 6:00-8:00p.m. at Berry Funeral Home.

Her funeral services will be held on Friday, June 20, at 3:00p.m. at Vineyards Creek Baptist Church with her friend and pastor, Rev. Jamie Callaway, officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with Stanley Johnson, Sammy Johanson, Kyle Johanson, Steve Drake, Jeff Davis, and Jody Johnson serving as pallbearers. Sarah will be placed in the church at 2:00p.m. on Friday afternoon.

Flowers are accepted and contributions may be made in her memory to Faith Baptist Church, 2827 Bowman Highway, Bowman, GA 30624.

Those wishing may sign the online guestbook at berryfh.com.

Berry Funeral Home & Crematory of Elberton is respectfully in charge of arrangements for Mrs. Elizabeth Sarah Nell Drake Loyd.