No funeral service is planned for Mrs. Sallie Okona at her request.

Sallie McCrary Okona, 66, of Stone Mountain, Georgia passed away on December 14, 2023. Born in Huntsville, Alabama on December 3, 1957, from the beginning Sallie had a zest for life.

At a young age, she gravitated towards learning and education, taking up that role first within church as a Sunday school teacher and later as an early childhood teacher within several school systems. Before she became a certified teacher, she studied Early Childhood Education at Alabama A&M University, earning a Bachelor of Science. Sallie later received a Master of Science, also in education, from Jacksonville State University in Jacksonville, Alabama.

Though education and advocacy for all learners was a source of passion for Sallie, she had several interests that gave her fulfillment. A multiple cancer survivor, she dedicated herself to providing support and resources to other cancer survivors with her organization, Chocolate Faith & Hope. She was also a repeat volunteer for American Cancer Society's Making Strides Against Breast Cancer.

Beyond volunteering and her generous nature, she loved traveling and had an adventurous spirit. Sallie preferred beach destinations because water and the tide washing upon the shore brought her peace. She was a woman who beamed while socializing and meeting new people. There was never a stranger when Sallie was around; she extended warmth to whomever she crossed paths with. Her sense of congeniality meant she made fast friends with most everyone. Family was important to her—she had achieved many accomplishments in her life but among her proudest was being a wife and a mother.

Sallie was creative and artistic, able to create most anything with her hands. She journaled, created greeting cards, designed inspirational graphics and better understood herself and the world around her while tapping into her artistic talents. Her artistry extended to food as well; she was an incredible baker and talented cook. Sallie charted her own path, choosing to live a life of her own design. She made bold decisions and spoke her mind. She encouraged others to speak and live their truth. She inspired others through her commitment to being herself.

Sallie was predeceased by her husband, Chidi Okona and her father, Herman McCrary, Sr. She is survived by her mother, Elmarie McCrary of Huntsville, Alabama; two sisters, Minnie and Jennifer McCrary, also of Huntsville, Alabama; one brother, Herman McCrary, Jr., also of Huntsville, Alabama; her four daughters, Nneka, Nnenna, Chinelo and Chioma, her beloved dog, CJ, and a host of other friends, family and loved ones.

Sallie was a fiercely kind, endlessly creative, and a beautiful soul who will be deeply missed by all who knew her. There will be no service held, at Sallie's request.

"The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul."  Psalm 23: 1-3