SALISBURY - Ollie Mae McGarity-Sanders, 88, of North Long Street Extension, departed her earthly life peacefully and with dignity on Monday, March 3, 2008, at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte after suffering a stroke.

Mrs. McGarity-Sanders was an independent, proud, determined, humble, kind, gentle, spirited and steadfast individual. People referred to her as "such a beautiful and sweet lady."

The daughter of the late Rev. Charles Thomas Hailey and Mrs. Laura Virginia Dare Sturdivant Hailey, Mrs. McGarity-Sanders was a former member of Yadkin Grove Baptist Church since childhood and served on the Senior Choir and various committees. She also was a former member of Macedonia Gospel Chorus. She attended and participated in many Women's Baptist Conventions, Ladies Auxiliaries and Missionary Conferences.

She was a member of the Social Progresser's Club that hosted lavish annual galas, Spring High Teas, Garden Affairs and donated to charities. She was a member of the Senior Citizen League and received a certificate for active support of Save Society Security. She was an active supporter for the North Carolina Fraternal Order of Police and the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund.

Mrs. McGarity-Sanders was educated in Rowan County and was an alumnus of J.C. Price High School Class of 1938. She attended Livingstone College and was chosen to the Homecoming Court as Miss Freshman, a big honor to the hometown community. Additionally, she was chosen as Miss Salisbury-East Spencer resulting in her photo being sent overseas and to New York, N.Y. She later attended Salisbury Business School.

After her photos were reviewed, she was offered a modeling position in her early life in New York City, N.Y., but declined the fast life for a more subdued life in the South by dedicating her life to her mother, father, children and grandchildren. However, recently, she appeared in a TV commercial for Innes Street Drug Store, where she was employed until her health began to decline.

Mrs. McGarity-Sanders was a legendary face in downtown Salisbury. She was the first African American woman in Salisbury to work for a major department store chain, McCory, McLellan, Greene and Newbury. She later worked for Zimmerman in the Formal and Bridal Department as a wedding and formal wear associate. She had a sound work ethic and had many creative talents.

Survivors to cherish her life and memories include three sons, Mr. William Elliott McGarity Jr., Cleveland, Ohio, Mr. Charles Leonard McGarity of New York City, N.Y., and Mr. Richard Lee McGarity of Washington, D.C.; a granddaughter and her husband, Mrs. Sabrina Maubry and Mr. Mark Maubry; three great-grandchildren, Mr. Tony Turner, Mr. Nicholas Turner and Miss Mariah Turner; a great-great-grandchild, Little Miss Le Shey Wright; and a host of first cousins, other relatives, great friends, former co-workers, customers and associates.

Service: Funeral arrangements will be handled by Hairston Funeral Home Inc., on Sunday, March 9 at Jerusalem Baptist Church, North Long Street and Miller Ferry Road, Salisbury, at 3 p.m. Conducting the service will be the Rev. David Bracken, pastor of Jerusalem Baptist Church, and the Rev. Arthur Heggins will serve as eulogist. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Visitation: One hour prior to the Celebration of Life Journey.

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