Sara Glynn Crawford Lorusso passed away on September 29, 2026 after a long illness.Sara was born in Concord, Georgia on October 22, 1948, to the late Roger and Wilma Cawford and grew up there as part of an active and musical family. Her mother, Wilma was the long-time church organist at Concord Baptist Church and taught piano lessons to all the children in Concord. Sara Glynn distinguished herself from an early age through her exceptional musical and academic abilities, winning the state-wide girls vocal solo competition with the Georgia High School Association. She graduated from Pike County High School in Zebulon, GA in 1966, and attended UGA where she graduated with a music degree in 1970. While at UGA, she studied piano under Despey Karlas. Sara Glynn was well loved and respected by colleagues throughout her professional career, including during her time at Gold Kist in Atlanta. In 1996, she moved to Athens, where she continued her career at the University of Georgia, serving as Office Manager for the Office of Special Events. Sara blessed many musical groups and church congregations with her beautiful piano playing and singing. She was accompanist for the Atlanta Singers, worked at Cathedral of Christ the King, and then later joined St. Catherine of Sienna church in Kennesaw as the music director from 1989 - 2002.

She continued her career at Saint Benedict’s Catholic Church in Johns Creek, first serving as Children’s choir director starting in 2003, and then becoming Music Director from 2013-2023. She also served as accompanist for the Athens Choral Society (Classic City Community Chorus) from 2005- 2023. One of the many highlights of her church music career was leading a choir tour to Italy to sing for the Pope at the Vatican.

Sara was a dear friend to many and she loved a good laugh, a good glass of wine, the New York Times and a good time with friends. She was dearly loved and will be missed by everyone who knew her.

Sara is survived by her son, Giacomo Amiel Lorusso; grandson, Caiden Atkinson Lorusso; sister, Bettye Shartar; nephew, Sam Shartar; her beloved cats, and a host of cherished lifelong friends, co-workers, and fellow musicians whose lives were enriched by her friendship and blessed by her music.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the music ministry of Chapelwood UMC in Athens (100 Janice Dr., Athens, GA 30606); the music ministry of St. Benedict’s Catholic Church in Johns Creek (11045 Parsons Rd., Johns Creek, GA 30097); the Classic City Community Chorus (P.O. Box 1263, Athens, GA 30603); or to a charity of your choice.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 24th at 1:00 pm at Chapelwood UMC in Athens. A Memorial Mass will be held on November 14 at 11:00 am at Saint Benedict’s Catholic Church in Johns Creek.

Alphonse de Lamartine said, “Music is the literature of the heart; it commences where speech ends.” Sara’s life was a beautiful expression of that truth, as she shared her God-given gifts through singing and playing the piano. There is no doubt that she is now using those gifts in the presence of her Savior, singing and playing with the saints in glory.

Lord & Stephens Funeral Homes, East, Athens, GA is in charge of arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com