Sarah "Sally" B. Zion, 90, of Columbia, died March 31, 2014. Born February 21, 1924, in Canton, OH, she was the daughter of the late Andrew William Barclay and Celia Feicht Barclay.
Sally moved to Cleveland, Ohio, graduating from East High School in 1942. There, she met the love of her life, Hubert W. Zion. This real life "Rosie the Riveter" and Navy Ensign Hugh Zion were married on September 22, 1944. With the war's end, they began building the life they had dreamed of, first in Cleveland, Ohio, then in Columbia, SC. Blessed with four children, Sally exemplified the hard-working, devoted wife and dedicated mother, providing whatever support her four children or husband needed. Whether it was a life-developing conversation around the kitchen table over after-school snacks, or leading "sing-alongs" in the car as the family returned home from one of its frequent outings, Sally was enthusiastically involved.

As the children moved toward independence, Sally returned to her "Rosie" role and jumped in with Hugh for the startup of Zion & Company, Inc. For the next 25 years, Sally worked with Hugh as a secretary/bookkeeper. While Sally was adept with numbers, she treasured the interaction with clients even more. Everyone enjoyed her enthusiasm and zest for life with her stories to match!
Sally and Hugh hosted countless family reunions, parties and special celebrations replete with games, prizes and good food. Hugh specialized in the games; Sally the good food! The joy of her life remained her family; enjoying the addition of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Sally was always fully invested in the activities of her church. A long time member of Hillcrest Baptist Church in Cleveland, and Kilbourne Park Baptist Church in Columbia, Sally was a stalwart member of the alto section of the choir. There she loved to praise her Lord. Sally also taught women's Sunday School Classes in Kilbourne Park for years, where she treasured the exploration and discussion of God's Word.

Over the last years of her life, Sally thoroughly enjoyed living and being part of the Still Hopes Retirement Community. The love, fellowship and support provided by these new friends helped Sally walk the tough road of Hugh's Alzheimer's disease and the premature death of her daughter, Gail.

Survivors include her sons, Paul B. (Cathy) Zion of Spartanburg, Craig R. Zion of Cayce, and Mark W. (Julie) Zion of Irmo; son-in-law, Jack S. Williamson of Columbia; ten grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Zion was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Hubert "Hugh" W. Zion; and her daughter, Gail Z. Williamson.

The funeral service for Mrs. Zion will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, April 4, 2014, in The Chapel of The Holy Spirit at Still Hopes, 1 Still Hopes Drive, West Columbia, with The Rev. Fr. Johnnie M. Davis and Dr. J. Robert Cline, Jr. officiating. Interment will follow in Fort Jackson National Cemetery. The family will receive friends at a visitation to be held in the Guignard Mansion at Still Hopes on Thursday from 5 until 7 o'clock. Memorials may be made to Harvest Hope Food Bank, P. O. Box 451, Columbia, SC 29202.

The family wishes to express our most sincere appreciation to the staff of Still Hopes that served and ministered to Sally both physically and emotionally. Thank you to her support group of "Forget-Me-Nots" who added life and vitality as they shared a walk unique to their experiences of Alzheimer's.