Obituary for Dr. Sadie Turner McCalep

It is with profound sadness and a sense of admiration for a life well-lived that we announce the passing of Dr. Sadie Turner McCalep , who departed this world on Thursday, February 6th, 2025. Born on Sunday, June 4th, 1939, Dr. McCalep's 85 years of life were a testament to her faith, dedication, and love for her family, church, and community.

Dr. Sadie McCalep was the cherished First Lady of Greenforest Community Baptist Church in Decatur, Georgia, and the beloved wife of the late Pastor Dr. George O. McCalep, to whom she was devoted for 48 years. Their journey together began as high school and college sweethearts and blossomed into a lifelong partnership of love and service.

Since the founding of Greenforest Community Baptist Church in 1979, Dr. McCalep stood as a pillar of strength and warmth, serving as the church's most dedicated recruiter and outreach minister. Her evangelical efforts extended beyond the church walls as she engaged with community members in grocery stores, on MARTA buses, and even in laundromats, always inviting them to come and hear her husband preach about Jesus. In those early years, she wore many hats, including church secretary, Sunday school teacher, and a one-woman Publicity and Public Relations Committee, while also supporting various other committees.

Her passion for evangelism and spiritual growth never waned. Dr. McCalep led the New Members Orientation class and the Ministry of Hope for children living in challenging situations. Her Friday night prayer meetings were a beacon of hope and faith for many. Her journey with Jesus began in her childhood under her mother's guidance, ultimately leading her to shape the lives of her own family, which includes three sons, seven grandchildren, a great-granddaughter, Amarie, whom she was blessed to meet before her passing, as well as four daughters-in-law, an adopted daughter and son, and two granddaughters. Her nurturing spirit extended to the numerous sons and daughters she "mothered" within the Greenforest Community Baptist Church family.

Education was the cornerstone of Dr. McCalep's journey. She earned a Bachelor of Science from Alabama A&M University, a Master of Arts from John Carroll University, and two Ph.Ds from Georgia State University. She retired after a distinguished 40-year career in education, shaping minds in Alabama, Ohio, and Georgia.

A devoted member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Dr. McCalep celebrated over 65 years of sisterhood and service as a distinguished Pearl Soror. Initiated into the Gamma Mu Chapter on April 23, 1960, at Alabama A&M University, she embodied the sorority's mission of service to all mankind throughout her life.

In eternal rest, Dr. Sadie T. McCalep leaves behind a legacy of kindness, leadership, and unwavering commitment to community and faith that will continue to inspire all who knew her. As our beloved Ivy Beyond the Wall, may she rest peacefully in the arms of her Savior.

Family, friends, and the community are invited to remember and celebrate Dr. McCalep's life during a visitation at Rainbow Park Baptist Church in Decatur, Georgia, on Friday, February 14th, 2025, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm. A Celebration of Life service will follow at Greenforest Community Baptist Church in Decatur, Georgia, on Saturday, February 15th, 2025, from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Gregory B. Levett & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory—South Dekalb.